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

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

A weak mind is like a microscope, which magnifies trifling things, but cannot receive great ones.
Lord Chesterfield

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

Advice is seldom welcome, and those who need it the most, like it the least.
Lord Chesterfield

Aim at perfection in everything, though in most things it is unattainable. However, they who aim at it, and persevere, will come much nearer to it than those whose laziness and despondency make them give it up as unattainable.
Lord Chesterfield

An injury is much sooner forgotten than an insult.
Lord Chesterfield

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

Be wiser than other people if you can, but do not tell them so.
Lord Chesterfield


Being pretty on the inside means you don't hit your brother and you eat all your peas - that's what my grandma taught me.
Lord Chesterfield

Character must be kept bright as well as clean.
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

Distrust all those who love you extremely upon a very slight acquaintance and without any visible reason.
Lord Chesterfield

Frequent and loud laughter is the characteristic of folly and ill manners.
Lord Chesterfield

Good breeding is the result of good sense, some good nature, and a little self-denial for the sake of others.
Lord Chesterfield

Good humor is the health of the soul, sadness is its poison.
Lord Chesterfield

He makes people pleased with him by making them first pleased with themselves.
Lord Chesterfield

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

Honest error is to be pitied, not ridiculed.
Lord Chesterfield