Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield quotes - page 3

Marriage is the cure of love, and friendship the cure of marriage. (Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield)
The manner is often as important as the matter, sometimes more so. View quote
Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield
I recommend to you, in my last, an innocent piece of art: that of flattering people behind their backs, in presence of those who, to make their own court, much more than for your sake, will not fail to repeat, and even amplify, the praise to the party concerned. This is of all flattery the most pleasing, and consequently the most effectual. View quote
Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield
Let dull critics feed upon the carcasses of plays; give me the taste and the dressing. View quote
Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield
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. View quote
Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield
I look upon indolence as a sort of suicide; for the man is effectually destroyed, though the appetites of the brute may survive. View quote
Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield
Distrust all those who love you extremely upon a very slight acquaintance and without any visible reason. View quote
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. View quote
Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield
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. View quote
Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield
When a person is in fashion, all they do is right. View quote
Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield
If you would convince others, seem open to conviction yourself. (Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield)
Let them show me a cottage where there are not the same vices of which they accuse the courts. View quote
Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield
Persist and persevere, and you will find most things that are attainable, possible. View quote
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. View quote
Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield
A novel must be exceptionally good to live as long as the average cat. View quote
Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield
Wit is so shining a quality that everybody admires it; most people aim at it, all people fear it, and few love it unless in themselves. A man must have a good share of wit himself to endure a great share of it in another. View quote
Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield
To have frequent recourse to narrative betrays great want of imagination. View quote
Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield
Hear one side and you will be in the dark. Hear both and all will be clear. View quote
Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield
A wise man will live as much within his wit as within his income. View quote
Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield
The mere brute pleasure of reading - the sort of pleasure a cow must have in grazing. View quote
Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield
The chapter of knowledge is a very short, but the chapter of accidents is a very long one. (Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield)
Then in chat, or at play, with a dance, or a song, Let the night, like the day, pass with pleasure along. All cares, but of love, banish far from your mind; And those you may end, when you please to be kind. View quote
Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield
Speak of the moderns without contempt, and of the ancients without idolatry. View quote
Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield
Sacrifice to the Graces. View quote
Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield
The characteristic of a well-bred man is, to converse with his inferiors without insolence, and with his superiors with respect and with ease. View quote
Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield