1694-1773, British Statesman, Author
Wear your learning like a watch and do not pull it out merely to show you have it. If you are asked for the time, tell it; but do not proclaim it hourly unasked.
Lord Chesterfield – [Learning]

Whatever is worth doing at all is worth doing well.
Lord Chesterfield – [Worth]

When a person is in fashion, all they do is right.
Lord Chesterfield – [Fashion]

Whoever is admitted or sought for, in company, upon any other account than that of his merit and manners, is never respected there, but only made use of. We will have such-a-one, for he sings prettily; we will invite such-a-one to a ball, for he dances well; we will have such-a-one at supper, for he is always joking and laughing; we will ask another because he plays deep at all games, or because he can drink a great deal. These are all vilifying distinctions, mortifying preferences, and exclude all ideas of esteem and regard. Whoever is had (as it is called) in company for the sake of any one thing singly, is singly that thing, and will never be considered in any other light; consequently never respected, let his merits be what they will.
Lord Chesterfield – [Guests]

Wit is so shining a quality that everybody admires it; most people aim at it, all people fear it, and few love it unless in themselves. A man must have a good share of wit himself to endure a great share of it in another.
Lord Chesterfield – [Wit]

Women who are either indisputably beautiful, or indisputably ugly, are best flattered upon the score of their understandings; but those who are in a state of mediocrity are best flattered upon their beauty, or at least their graces: for every woman who is not absolutely ugly, thinks herself handsome.
Lord Chesterfield – [Flattery]

Wrongs are often forgiven, but contempt never is. Our pride remembers it forever. It implies a discovery of weakness, which we are more careful to conceal than a crime. Many a man will confess his crimes to a friend; but I never knew a man that would tell his silly weaknesses to his most intimate one.
Lord Chesterfield – [Forgiveness]

You must look into people, as well as at them.
Lord Chesterfield – [Character]

Young men are apt to think themselves wise enough, as drunken men are apt to think themselves sober enough.
Lord Chesterfield – [Youth]

Quotations 81 to 89 of 89 First < Previous