The insolent civility of a proud man is, if possible, more shocking than his rudeness could be; because he shows you, by his manner, that he thinks it mere condescension in him; and that his goodness alone bestows upon you what you have no pretense to claim.

— Lord Chesterfield

Lord Chesterfield Quotes

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.

— Lord Chesterfield

In business be as able as you can, but do not be cunning; cunning is the dark sanctuary of incapacity.

— Lord Chesterfield

An honest man may really love a pretty girl, but only an idiot marries her merely because she is pretty.

— Lord Chesterfield

You will find that reason, which always ought to direct mankind, seldom does; but that passions and weaknesses commonly usurp itsseat, and rule in its stead.

— Lord Chesterfield

Spirit is now a very fashionable word: to act with Spirit, to speak with Spirit, means only to act rashly, and to talk indiscreetly. An able man shows his Spirit by gentle words and resolute actions; he is neither hot nor timid.

— Lord Chesterfield

There is not a more prudent maxim, than to live with one’s enemies as if they may one day become one’s friends; as it commonly happens, sooner or later, in the vicissitudes of political affairs.

— Lord Chesterfield

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.

— Lord Chesterfield

Merit and knowledge will not gain hearts, though they will secure them when gained.

— Lord Chesterfield

Most people have ears, but few have judgment; tickle those ears, and depend upon it, you will catch their judgments, such as they are.

— Lord Chesterfield

Half the business is done, when one has gained the heart and the affections of those with whom one is to transact it.

— Lord Chesterfield

Business by no means forbids pleasures; on the contrary, they reciprocally season each other; and I will venture to affirm that noman enjoys either in perfection that does not join both.

— Lord Chesterfield

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.

— Lord Chesterfield

As fathers commonly go, it is seldom a misfortune to be fatherless; and considering the general run of sons, as seldom a misfortune to be childless.

— Lord Chesterfield

Character must be kept bright as well as clean.

— Lord Chesterfield

I look upon indolence as a sort of suicide; for the man is effectually destroyed, though the appetites of the brute may survive.

— Lord Chesterfield

If you would convince others, seem open to conviction yourself.

— Lord Chesterfield

In matters of religion and matrimony I never give any advice; because I will not have anybody’s torments in this world or the next laid to my charge.

— Lord Chesterfield

Let them show me a cottage where there are not the same vices of which they accuse the courts.

— Lord Chesterfield

Politicians neither love nor hate. Interest, not sentiment, directs them.

— Lord Chesterfield

Love has been not unaptly compared to the small-pox, which most people have sooner or later.

— Lord Chesterfield
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