Whoever is in a hurry shows that the thing he is about is too big for him. Lord Chesterfield More Quotes by Lord Chesterfield More Quotes From Lord Chesterfield I have been too long acquainted with human nature to have great regard for human testimony; and a very great degree of probability, supported by various concurrent circumstances, conspiring in one point, will have much greater weight with me, than human testimony upon oath, or even upon honour; both of which I have frequently seen considerably warped by private views. Lord Chesterfield truthviewslong Know the true value of time; snatch, seize, and enjoy every moment of it. Lord Chesterfield timepositiveinspirational One of the greatest difficulties in civil war is, that more art is required to know what should be concealed from our friends, than what ought to be done against our enemies. Lord Chesterfield friendswarart In seeking wisdom thou art wise; in imagining that thou hast attained it - thou art a fool. Lord Chesterfield wiseinspirationallife Arbitrary power has seldom... been introduced in any country at once. It must be introduced by slow degrees, and as it were step by step. Lord Chesterfield degreespowercountry A young fellow ought to be wiser than he should seem to be; and an old fellow ought to seem wise whether he really be so or not. Lord Chesterfield maturitywisdomwise Many young people adopt pleasures for which they have not the least taste, only because they are called by that name.... You mustallow that drunkenness, which is equally destructive to body and mind, is a fine pleasure. Gaming, that draws you into a thousand scraps, leaves you penniless, and gives you the air and manners of an outrageous madman, is another most exquisite pleasure, is it not? As to running after women, the consequences of that vice are only the loss of one's nose, the total destruction of health, and, not unfrequently, the being run through the body. Lord Chesterfield drinkinglossrunning Pray be always in motion. Early in the morning go and see things; and the rest of the day go and see people. If you stay but a week at a place, and that an insignificant one, see, however, all that is to be seen there; know as many people, and get into as many houses as ever you can. Lord Chesterfield housemorningpeople Physical ills are the taxes laid upon this wretched life; some are taxed higher, and some lower, but all pay something. Lord Chesterfield being-sickhealthpay In matters of religion and matrimony I never give any advice; because I will not have anybody's torments in this world or the next laid to my charge. Lord Chesterfield humorousgivingfunny I really know nothing more criminal, more mean, and more ridiculous than lying. It is the production either of malice, cowardice, or vanity; and generally misses of its aim in every one of these views; for lies are always detected, sooner or later. Lord Chesterfield vanitymeanlying Conscious virtue is the only solid foundation of all happiness; for riches, power, rank, or whatever, in the common acceptation ofthe word, is supposed to constitute happiness, will never quiet, much less cure, the inward pangs of guilt. Lord Chesterfield foundationguilthappiness Most arts require long study and application, but the most useful art of all, that of pleasing, requires only the desire. Lord Chesterfield desirelongart Ceremonies are the outworks of manners. Lord Chesterfield ceremonymanners I have seen many people, who while you are speaking to them, instead, of looking at, and attending to you, fix their eyes upon the ceiling, or some other part of the room, look out of the window, play with a dog, twirl their snuff-box, or pick their nose. Nothing discovers a little, futile, frivolous mind more than this, and nothing is so offensively ill-bred. Lord Chesterfield eyedogplay Keep carefully not of all scrapes and quarrels. They lower a character extremely; and are particularly dangerous in France, wherea man is dishonoured by not resenting an affront, and utterly ruined by resenting it. Lord Chesterfield francecharactermen Manners must adorn knowledge and smooth its way in the world, without them it is like a great rough diamond, very well in a closet by way of curiosity, and also for its intrinsic value; but most prized when polished. Lord Chesterfield curiosityjewelsknowledge At any age we must cherish illusions, consolatory or merely pleasant; in youth, they are omnipresent; in old age we must search for them, or even invent them. But with all that, boredom is their natural and inevitable accompaniment. Lord Chesterfield boredomyouthage Character must be kept bright as well as clean. Lord Chesterfield cleanlinesscleancharacter The heart never grows better by age; I fear rather worse, always harder. A young liar will be an old one, and a young knave will only be a greater knave as he grows older. Lord Chesterfield liarstimebirthday
