--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The scholar without good breeding is a…" description: "\"The scholar without good breeding is a pedant; the philosopher, a cynic.\" — Lord Chesterfield" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/535/lord-chesterfield-757_breeding_the-scholar-without-good-breeding-is-a-p_2961039.jpg" --- # The scholar without good breeding is a pedant; the… ![“The scholar without good breeding is a pedant; the philosopher, a cynic.” quote by Lord Chesterfield](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/535/lord-chesterfield-757_breeding_the-scholar-without-good-breeding-is-a-p_2961039.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/535/lord-chesterfield-757_breeding_the-scholar-without-good-breeding-is-a-p_2961039.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/535/lord-chesterfield-757_breeding_the-scholar-without-good-breeding-is-a-p_2961039.jpg) > “The scholar without good breeding is a pedant; the philosopher, a cynic.” [Lord Chesterfield](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lord-chesterfield/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. A well‑bred scholar may become pedantic, while a philosopher can become cynical without balance. **In simple terms:** Balance knowledge with humility. Key Takeaway Cultivate humility alongside learning. Themes education humility balance philosophy Mood thoughtful analytical Type philosophical literary When to use this quote - academic life - public speaking - mentoring Key Concepts pedantry cynicism social etiquette Questions to Reflect On - How do you avoid pedantry? - When does cynicism become harmful? A Different Perspective May oversimplify complex personalities. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Breeding](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/breeding/) [Cynic](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cynic/) [Good breeding](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/good-breeding/) [Pedant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/pedant-473668/) [Pedant Philosopher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/pedant-philosopher-4509347/) [Pedants](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/pedants/) [Philosopher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/philosopher/) [Philosopher Cynic](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/philosopher-cynic-4509346/) [Philosophy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/philosophy/) [Scholar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/scholar/) ## Related quotes > [Never argue with a pedant over nomenclature. It wastes your time and annoys the pedant.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lois-mcmaster-bujold/never-argue-with-a-pedant-over-nomenclature-it-wastes-your-time-and/) [Lois McMaster Bujold](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lois-mcmaster-bujold/) > [He who studies without passion will never become anything more than a pedant.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stefan-zweig/he-who-studies-without-passion-will-never-become-anything-more-than-a/) [Stefan Zweig](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stefan-zweig/) > [A fool is only troublesome, a pedant insupportable.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/napoleon-bonaparte/a-fool-is-only-troublesome-a-pedant-insupportable/) [Napoleon Bonaparte](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/napoleon-bonaparte/) > [He who will not listen to any advice, nor be corrected in his writings, is a rank pedant.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jean-de-la-bruyere/he-who-will-not-listen-to-any-advice-nor-be-corrected-in-his-writings/) [Jean de la Bruyere](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-de-la-bruyere/) > [A pedant holds more to instruct us with what he knows, than of what we are ignorant.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jean-antoine-petit-senn/a-pedant-holds-more-to-instruct-us-with-what-he-knows-than-of-what-we/) [Jean Antoine Petit-Senn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-antoine-petit-senn/) > [The brains of a pedant however full, are vacant.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sir-fulke-greville/the-brains-of-a-pedant-however-full-are-vacant/) [Sir Fulke Greville](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sir-fulke-greville/) > [The scholar may lose himself in schools, in words, and become a pedant; but when he comprehends his duties, he above all men is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ralph-waldo-emerson/the-scholar-may-lose-himself-in-schools-in-words-and-become-a-pedant/) [Ralph Waldo Emerson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ralph-waldo-emerson/) > [Pedants make a great rout about criticism, as if it were a science of great depth, and required much pains and knowledge--criticism however is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/horace-walpole/pedants-make-a-great-rout-about-criticism-as-if-it-were-a-science-of/) [Horace Walpole](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/horace-walpole/) > [Robespierre, this pedant of freedom!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/franz-grillparzer/robespierre-this-pedant-of-freedom/) [Franz Grillparzer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/franz-grillparzer/) > [The most familiar and intimate habitudes, connections, friendships, require a degree of good-breeding both to preserve and cement them.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lord-chesterfield/the-most-familiar-and-intimate-habitudes-connections-friendships/) [Lord Chesterfield](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lord-chesterfield/) > [Civility, which is a disposition to accommodate and oblige others, is essentially the same in every country; but good breeding, asit is called, which…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lord-chesterfield/civility-which-is-a-disposition-to-accommodate-and-oblige-others-is/) [Lord Chesterfield](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lord-chesterfield/) > [Women of fashion and character--I do not mean absolutely unblemished--are a necessary ingredient in the composition of good company; the attention which they require,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lord-chesterfield/women-of-fashion-and-character-i-do-not-mean-absolutely-unblemished/) [Lord Chesterfield](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lord-chesterfield/) > [You must labour to acquire that great and uncommon talent of hating with good breeding, and loving with prudence; to make no quarrel irreconcilable…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lord-chesterfield/you-must-labour-to-acquire-that-great-and-uncommon-talent-of-hating/) [Lord Chesterfield](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lord-chesterfield/) > [Good breeding and good nature do incline us rather to help and raise people up to ourselves, than to mortify and depress them, and,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lord-chesterfield/good-breeding-and-good-nature-do-incline-us-rather-to-help-and-raise/) [Lord Chesterfield](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lord-chesterfield/) > [Compliments of congratulation are always kindly taken, and cost nothing but pen, ink and paper. I consider them as draughts upon good breeding, where…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lord-chesterfield/compliments-of-congratulation-are-always-kindly-taken-and-cost/) [Lord Chesterfield](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lord-chesterfield/) ## More by Lord Chesterfield > [Cultivate the habit of thinking ahead, and of anticipating the necessary and immediate consequences of all your actions… Likewise in your pleasures, ask yourself…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lord-chesterfield/cultivate-the-habit-of-thinking-ahead-and-of-anticipating-the/) [Lord Chesterfield](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lord-chesterfield/) > [No woman ever yet either reasoned or acted long together consequentially; but some little thing, some love, some resentment, somepresent momentary interest, some supposed…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lord-chesterfield/no-woman-ever-yet-either-reasoned-or-acted-long-together/) [Lord Chesterfield](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lord-chesterfield/) > [I am in the pitiable situation of feeling all the force of temptation without having the strength to succumb to it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lord-chesterfield/i-am-in-the-pitiable-situation-of-feeling-all-the-force-of-temptation/) [Lord Chesterfield](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lord-chesterfield/) > [Mankind is made up of inconsistencies, and no man acts invariably up to his predominant character. The wisest man sometimes acts weakly, and the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lord-chesterfield/mankind-is-made-up-of-inconsistencies-and-no-man-acts-invariably-up/) [Lord Chesterfield](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lord-chesterfield/) > [Compliments of congratulation are always kindly taken, and cost nothing but pen, ink and paper. I consider them as draughts upon good breeding, where…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lord-chesterfield/compliments-of-congratulation-are-always-kindly-taken-and-cost/) [Lord Chesterfield](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lord-chesterfield/) > [The insolent civility of a proud man is, if possible, more shocking than his rudeness could be; because he shows you, by his manner,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lord-chesterfield/the-insolent-civility-of-a-proud-man-is-if-possible-more-shocking/) [Lord Chesterfield](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lord-chesterfield/) > [“Secret thoughts and an open countenance will take you safely the world over”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lord-chesterfield/secret-thoughts-and-an-open-countenance-will-take-you-safely-the/) [Lord Chesterfield](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lord-chesterfield/) > [Virtue and learning, like gold, have their intrinsic value: but if they are not polished, they certainly lose a great deal of their luster:…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lord-chesterfield/virtue-and-learning-like-gold-have-their-intrinsic-value-but-if-they/) [Lord Chesterfield](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lord-chesterfield/) > [Knowledge is a comfortable and necessary retreat and shelter for us in an advanced age; and if we do not plant it while young,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lord-chesterfield/knowledge-is-a-comfortable-and-necessary-retreat-and-shelter-for-us/) [Lord Chesterfield](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lord-chesterfield/) > [Promptness is the soul of business](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lord-chesterfield/promptness-is-the-soul-of-business/) [Lord Chesterfield](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lord-chesterfield/) > [Style is the dress of thoughts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lord-chesterfield/style-is-the-dress-of-thoughts/) [Lord Chesterfield](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lord-chesterfield/) > [It is commonly said that ridicule is the best test of truth; for that it will not stick where it is not just. I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lord-chesterfield/it-is-commonly-said-that-ridicule-is-the-best-test-of-truth-for-that/) [Lord Chesterfield](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lord-chesterfield/) > [There is hardly any place or any company where you may not gain knowledge, if you please; almost everybody knows some one thing, and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lord-chesterfield/there-is-hardly-any-place-or-any-company-where-you-may-not-gain/) [Lord Chesterfield](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lord-chesterfield/) > [Assurance and intrepidity, under the white banner of seeming modesty, clear the way for merit, that would otherwise be discouraged by difficulties...](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lord-chesterfield/assurance-and-intrepidity-under-the-white-banner-of-seeming-modesty/) [Lord Chesterfield](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lord-chesterfield/) > [“Many a man would rather you heard his story than grant his request.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lord-chesterfield/many-a-man-would-rather-you-heard-his-story-than-grant-his-request/) [Lord Chesterfield](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lord-chesterfield/) [Explore all 378 Lord Chesterfield quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lord-chesterfield/) ## More Breeding quotes > [“Galton’s gospel of eugenics found fertile soil in Britain, in the intellectual salons of Europe, and in the United States. Beginning in the early…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joseph-loconte/galton-s-gospel-of-eugenics-found-fertile-soil-in-britain-in-the/) [Joseph Loconte](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joseph-loconte/) > [Eugenic goals are most likely to be attained under another name than eugenics.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frederick-osborn/eugenic-goals-are-most-likely-to-be-attained-under-another-name-than/) [Frederick Osborn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frederick-osborn/) > [There are few defects in our nature so glaring as not to be veiled from observation by politeness and good-breeding.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stanis-aw-i-leszczy-ski/there-are-few-defects-in-our-nature-so-glaring-as-not-to-be-veiled/) [Stanisław I Leszczyński](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stanis-aw-i-leszczy-ski/) > [There is no society or conversation to be kept up in the world without good-nature, or something which must bear its appearance and supply…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joseph-addison/there-is-no-society-or-conversation-to-be-kept-up-in-the-world/) [Joseph Addison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joseph-addison/) > [Exchange of breeding individuals between two populations tends to homogenize their gene pools.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/peter-r-grant/exchange-of-breeding-individuals-between-two-populations-tends-to/) [Peter R. Grant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/peter-r-grant/) > [Good-breeding is not confined to externals, much less to any particular dress or attitude of the body; it is the art of pleasing, or…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/henry-fielding/good-breeding-is-not-confined-to-externals-much-less-to-any/) [Henry Fielding](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henry-fielding/) > [The right to live does not connote the right of each man to reproduce his kind ... As we lessen the stringency of natural…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/karl-pearson/the-right-to-live-does-not-connote-the-right-of-each-man-to-reproduce/) [Karl Pearson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/karl-pearson/) > [Growing up in that fashion is a breeding ground for insecurity and doubt; it also leaves you questioning motives. It took me a long…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/damon-runyon/growing-up-in-that-fashion-is-a-breeding-ground-for-insecurity-and/) [Damon Runyon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/damon-runyon/) > [Easy writing's curst hard reading.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-brinsley-sheridan/easy-writing-s-curst-hard-reading/) [Richard Brinsley Sheridan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-brinsley-sheridan/) > [No parent can consistently teach faith in Christ who profanes the name of Deity. Profanity is never heard in the well-ordered home. Swearing is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-o-mckay/no-parent-can-consistently-teach-faith-in-christ-who-profanes-the/) [David O. McKay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-o-mckay/) > [In a way, human beings have never been part of the natural order; we're not biological in the normal sense. Normal biological animals stop…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sam-keen/in-a-way-human-beings-have-never-been-part-of-the-natural-order-we-re/) [Sam Keen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sam-keen/) > [Compliments of congratulation are always kindly taken, and cost nothing but pen, ink and paper. I consider them as draughts upon good breeding, where…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lord-chesterfield/compliments-of-congratulation-are-always-kindly-taken-and-cost/) [Lord Chesterfield](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lord-chesterfield/) > [Organized charity itself is. . . the surest sign that our civilization has bred, is breeding and is perpetuating constantly increasing numbers of defectives,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/margaret-sanger/organized-charity-itself-is-the-surest-sign-that-our-civilization-has/) [Margaret Sanger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/margaret-sanger/) > [I think it is more of an intuitive, circular kind of personality, for starters. And, as I say of horses, the secret to breeding…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alice-walton/i-think-it-is-more-of-an-intuitive-circular-kind-of-personality-for/) [Alice Walton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alice-walton/) > [Well, puppy mills are - it's just a name given to really, really bad dog breeding facilities and sadly, we have a lot of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lara-trump/well-puppy-mills-are-it-s-just-a-name-given-to-really-really-bad-dog/) [Lara Trump](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lara-trump/) [Browse all 411 Breeding quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/breeding/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "The scholar without good breeding is a pedant; the philosopher, a cynic.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Lord Chesterfield" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lord-chesterfield/the-scholar-without-good-breeding-is-a-pedant-the-philosopher-a-cynic/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Breeding" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lord-chesterfield/the-scholar-without-good-breeding-is-a-pedant-the-philosopher-a-cynic/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/535/lord-chesterfield-757_breeding_the-scholar-without-good-breeding-is-a-p_2961039.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/535/lord-chesterfield-757_breeding_the-scholar-without-good-breeding-is-a-p_2961039.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/535/lord-chesterfield-757_breeding_the-scholar-without-good-breeding-is-a-p_2961039.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“The scholar without good breeding is a pedant; the philosopher, a cynic.” — Lord Chesterfield", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Lord Chesterfield", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lord-chesterfield/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "The scholar without good breeding is...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lord-chesterfield/the-scholar-without-good-breeding-is-a-pedant-the-philosopher-a-cynic/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lord-chesterfield/the-scholar-without-good-breeding-is-a-pedant-the-philosopher-a-cynic/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```