Lord Chesterfield

Never hold anyone by the button or the hand in order to be heard out; for if people are unwilling read more

Never hold anyone by the button or the hand in order to be heard out; for if people are unwilling to hear you, you had better hold your tongue than them.

Young men are apt to think themselves wise enough, as drunken men are apt to think themselves sober enough.

Young men are apt to think themselves wise enough, as drunken men are apt to think themselves sober enough.

Firmness of purpose is one of the most necessary sinews of character, and one of the best instruments of success. read more

Firmness of purpose is one of the most necessary sinews of character, and one of the best instruments of success. Without it genius wastes its efforts in a maze of inconsistencies.

Whoever is admitted or sought for, in company, upon any other account than that of his merit and manners, is read more

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.

Patience is a most necessary qualification for business; many a man would rather you heard his story than granted his read more

Patience is a most necessary qualification for business; many a man would rather you heard his story than granted his request.