Maxioms by Lord Chesterfield
Wrongs are often forgiven; contempt never
Wrongs are often forgiven; contempt never
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.
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.
Take care in your minutes, and the hours will take care of themselves.
Take care in your minutes, and the hours will take care of themselves.
A man's own good breeding is the best security against other people's ill manners.
A man's own good breeding is the best security against other people's ill manners.
