Learning is acquired by reading books, but the much more necessary learning, the knowledge of the world, is only to be acquired by reading men, and studying all the various facets of them. – Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield
It is always right to detect a fraud, and to perceive a folly; but it is very often wrong to expose either. A man of business should always have his eyes open, but must often seem to have them shut. – Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield
To have frequent recourse to narrative betrays great want of imagination. – Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield
As fathers commonly go, it is seldom a misfortune to be fatherless; and considering the general run of sons, as seldom a misfortune to be childless. – Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield
Wear your learning like your watch, in a private pocket; and do not pull it out, and strike it, merely to show that you have one. – Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield
He makes people pleased with him by making them first pleased with themselves. – Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield
Hear one side and you will be in the dark. Hear both and all will be clear. – Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield
I am very sure that any man of common understanding may, by culture, care, attention, and labor, make himself what- ever he pleases, except a great poet. – Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield
In those days he was wiser than he is now – he used frequently to take my advice. – Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield
Know the true value of time; snatch, seize, and enjoy every moment of it. No idleness, no laziness, no procrastination: never put off till tomorrow what you can do today. – Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield
There is nothing that people bear more impatiently, or forgive less, than contempt: and an injury is much sooner forgotten than an insult. – Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield
The only solid and lasting peace between a man and his wife is, doubtless, a separation. – Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield
Patience is the most necessary quality for business, many a man would rather you heard his story than grant his request. – Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield
Regularity in the hours of rising and retiring, perseverance in exercise, adaptation of dress to the variations of climate, simple and nutritious aliment, and temperance in all things are necessary branches of the regimen of health. – Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield
Our own self-love draws a thick veil between us and our faults. – Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield
Remember, as long as you live, that nothing but strict truth can carry you through the world, with either your conscience or your honor unwounded. – Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield
Good breeding is the result of good sense, some good nature, and a little self-denial for the sake of others. – Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield
The rich are always advising the poor, but the poor seldom return the compliment. – Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield
I sometimes give myself admirable advice, but I am incapable of taking it. – Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield
Knowledge may give weight, but accomplishments give luster, and many more people see than weigh. – Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield
Sex: the pleasure is momentary, the position ridiculous, and the expense damnable. – Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield
Politicians neither love nor hate. Interest, not sentiment, directs them. – Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield
Frequent and loud laughter is the characteristic of folly and ill manners. – Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield