Lord Chesterfield Quotes
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I am provoked at the contempt which most historians show for humanity in general; one would think by them, that the whole human species consisted but of about a hundred and fifty people, called and dignified (commonly very undeservedly too) by the titles of Emperors, Kings, Popes, Generals, and Ministers.
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I do not think that a Physician should be admitted into the College till he could bring proofs of his having cured, in his own person, at least four incurable distempers.
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I have seen many people, who while you are speaking to them, instead, of looking at, and attending to you, fix their eyes upon the ceiling, or some other part of the room, look out of the window, play with a dog, twirl their snuff-box, or pick their nose. Nothing discovers a little, futile, frivolous mind more than this, and nothing is so offensively ill-bred.
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Manners must adorn knowledge and smooth its way in the world, without them it is like a great rough diamond, very well in a closet by way of curiosity, and also for its intrinsic value; but most prized when polished.
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Absolute power can only be supported by error, ignorance and prejudice.
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Politicians neither love nor hate. Interest, not sentiment, directs them.
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Common sense (which, in truth, is very uncommon) is the best sense I know of: abide by it; it will counsel you best.
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The heart has such an influence over the understanding, that it is worth while to engage it in our interest.
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A man must have a good share of wit himself to endure a great share in another.
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It must be owned, that the Graces do not seem to be natives of Great Britain; and I doubt, the best of us here have more of rough than polished diamond.
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Speak of the moderns without contempt and of the ancients without idolatry; judge them all by their merits, but not by their age
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This is the day when people reciprocally offer, and receive, the kindest and the warmest wishes, though, in general, without meaning them on one side, or believing them on the other. They are formed by the head, in compliance with custom, though disavowed by the heart, in consequence of nature.
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An able man shows his spirit by gentle words and resolute actions.
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Persist and persevere, and you will find most things that are attainable, possible.
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Frequent and loud laughter is the characteristic of folly and ill manners.
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Very ugly or very beautiful women should be flattered on their understanding, and mediocre ones on their beauty.
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Whoever plays deep must necessarily lose his money or his character.
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Should you be unfortunate enough to have vices, you may, to a certain degree, even dignify them by a strict observance of decorum;at least they will lose something of their natural turpitude.
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Keep your own secret, and get out other people's. Keep your own temper, and artfully warm other people's. Counterwork your rivalswith diligence and dexterity, but at the same time with the utmost personal civility to them: and be firm without heat.
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In nature the most violent passions are silent; in tragedy they must speak and speak with dignity too.
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It seems to me that physical sickness softens, just as moral sickness hardens, the heart.
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Little secrets are commonly told again, but great ones generally kept.
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You must look into people, as well as at them.
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In the ordinary course of things, how many succeed in society merely by virtue of their manners, while others, however meritorious, fail through lack of them? After all, it's only barbarians who wear uncut precious stones.
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I wish... that you had as much pleasure in following my advice, as I have in giving it.
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A man of sense may be in haste, but can never be in a hurry.
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The power of applying attention, steady and undissipated, to a single object, is the sure mark of superior genius.
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There is time enough for everything in the course of the day if you do but one thing once; but there is not time enough in the year if you will do two things at a time.
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Remember, as long as you live, that nothing but strict truth can carry you through the world, with either your conscience or your honor unwounded.
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It is commonly said that ridicule is the best test of truth; for that it will not stick where it is not just. I deny it. A truth learned in a certain light, and attacked in certain words, by men of wit and humor, may, and often doth, become ridiculous, at least so far, that the truth is only remembered and repeated for the sake of the ridicule.
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Lord Chesterfield
- Born: September 22, 1694
- Died: March 24, 1773
- Occupation: British Statesman
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