Lord Chesterfield

Pleasure is a necessary reciprocal. No one feels, who does not at the same time give it. To be pleased, read more

Pleasure is a necessary reciprocal. No one feels, who does not at the same time give it. To be pleased, one must please. What pleases you in others, will in general please them in you.

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.

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.

History is a confused heap of facts.

History is a confused heap of facts.

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.