Lord Chesterfield

An injury is much sooner forgotten than an insult. - Letter to his son, October 9, 1746.

An injury is much sooner forgotten than an insult. - Letter to his son, October 9, 1746.

I look upon indolence as a sort of suicide; for the man is effectually destroyed, though the appetites of the read more

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

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.

Idleness is the only refuge of weak minds, and the holiday of fools

Idleness is the only refuge of weak minds, and the holiday of fools

There is a sort of veteran woman of condition, who, having lived always in the grand monde, and having possibly read more

There is a sort of veteran woman of condition, who, having lived always in the grand monde, and having possibly had some gallantries, together with the experience of five and twenty or thirty years, form a young fellow better than all the rules that can be given him. Wherever you go, make some of those women your friends; which a very little matter will do. Ask their advice, tell them your doubts or difficulties as to your behavior; but take great care not to drop one word of their experience; for experience implies age, and the suspicion of age, no woman, let her be ever so old, ever forgives.