Lord Chesterfield

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.

Never seem wiser, nor more learned, than the people you are with. Wear your learning, like your watch, in a read more

Never seem wiser, nor more learned, than the people you are with. Wear your learning, like your watch, in a private pocket: and do not merely pull it out and strike it; merely to show that you have one.

Aim at perfection in everything, though in most things it is unattainable. However, they who aim at it, and persevere, read more

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.

Most people enjoy the inferiority of their best friends.

Most people enjoy the inferiority of their best friends.

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.