Lord Chesterfield quotes

Lord Chesterfield, born Philip Stanhope, was a renowned English statesman and man of letters in the 18th century. With his eloquent speeches and sharp wit, he rose to become a prominent figure in British politics. Known for his aristocratic charm and influence, Chesterfield served as an ambassador and held various exemplary positions throughout his career. But his impact extended beyond politics—he was also revered for his writings, particularly his famous letters to his son. Lord Chesterfield's letters, often containing invaluable advice on manners, education, and success, are considered timeless treasures of wisdom. Explore the life and legacy of this distinguished figure who left an indelible mark in both politics and literature.

A man of sense only trifles with them, plays with them, humors and flatters them, as he does with a sprightly and forward child; but he neither consults them about, nor trusts them with, serious matters.

- Lord Chesterfield

Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.

- Lord Chesterfield

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

If ever a man and his wife, or a man and his mistress, who pass nights as well as days together, absolutely lay aside all good breeding, their intimacy will soon degenerate into a coarse familiarity, infallibly productive of contempt or disgust.

- Lord Chesterfield

Honest error is to be pitied, not ridiculed.

- Lord Chesterfield

Character must be kept bright as well as clean.

- Lord Chesterfield

There is nothing that people bear more impatiently, or forgive less, than contempt: and an injury is much sooner forgotten than an insult.

- Lord Chesterfield

Knowledge may give weight, but accomplishments give luster, and many more people see than weigh.

- Lord Chesterfield

A wise man will live as much within his wit as within his income.

- Lord Chesterfield

The world is a country which nobody ever yet knew by description; one must travel through it one's self to be acquainted with it.

- Lord Chesterfield

Persist and persevere, and you will find most things that are attainable, possible.

- Lord Chesterfield

Our own self-love draws a thick veil between us and our faults.

- Lord Chesterfield

Any affectation whatsoever in dress implies, in my mind, a flaw in the understanding.

- Lord Chesterfield

Wear your learning like your watch, in a private pocket; and do not pull it out, and strike it, merely to show that you have one.

- Lord Chesterfield

The mere brute pleasure of reading - the sort of pleasure a cow must have in grazing.

- Lord Chesterfield

The rich are always advising the poor, but the poor seldom return the compliment.

- Lord Chesterfield

A novel must be exceptionally good to live as long as the average cat.

- Lord Chesterfield

Learning is acquired by reading books, but the much more necessary learning, the knowledge of the world, is only to be acquired by reading men, and studying all the various facets of them.

- Lord Chesterfield

Custom has made dancing sometimes necessary for a young man; therefore mind it while you learn it, that you may learn to do it well, and not be ridiculous, though in a ridiculous act.

- Lord Chesterfield

Pleasure is a necessary reciprocal. No one feels, who does not at the same time give it. To be pleased, one must please. What pleases you in others, will in general please them in you.

- Lord Chesterfield

In seeking wisdom thou art wise; in imagining that thou hast attained it - thou art a fool.

- Lord Chesterfield

The heart never grows better by age; I fear rather worse, always harder. A young liar will be an old one, and a young knave will only be a greater knave as he grows older.

- Lord Chesterfield

Let your enemies be disarmed by the gentleness of your manner, but at the same time let them feel, the steadiness of your resentment.

- Lord Chesterfield

When a person is in fashion, all they do is right.

- Lord Chesterfield

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

- Lord Chesterfield

If you can once engage people's pride, love, pity, ambition on your side, you need not fear what their reason can do against you.

- Lord Chesterfield

I sometimes give myself admirable advice, but I am incapable of taking it.

- Lord Chesterfield

Men, as well as women, are much oftener led by their hearts than by their understandings.

- Lord Chesterfield

The less one has to do, the less time one finds to do it in.

- Lord Chesterfield

Hear one side and you will be in the dark. Hear both and all will be clear.

- Lord Chesterfield