Maxioms by Lord Chesterfield
Be wiser than other people, if you can, but do not tell them so.
Be wiser than other people, if you can, but do not tell them so.
The less one has to do, the less time one finds to do it in.
The less one has to do, the less time one finds to do it in.
Ridicule is the best test of truth
Ridicule is the best test of truth
If you are not in fashion, you are nobody. - "Letter to his son", April 30, 1750.
If you are not in fashion, you are nobody. - "Letter to his son", April 30, 1750.
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.
