520 Quotes by Lord Chesterfield

Whatever is worth doing at all is worth doing well.

Two people cannot be alone together for upwards of half an hour without one emerging as the superior.

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

Almost all men are born with every passion to some extent, but there is hardly a man who has not a dominant passion to which the others are subordinate. Discover this governing passion in every individual; and when you have found the master passion of a man, remember never to trust to him where that passion is concerned.

This is the day when people reciprocally offer, and receive, the kindest and the warmest wishes, though, in general, without meaning them on one side, or believing them on the other. They are formed by the head, in compliance with custom, though disavowed by the heart, in consequence of nature.

You must look into people, as well as at them.

The vulgar only laugh, but never smile; whereas well-bred people often smile, but seldom laugh.

Politeness is as much concerned in answering letters within a reasonable time, as it is in returning a bow, immediately.

Endeavor, as much as you can, to keep company with people above you.... Do not mistake, when I say company above you, and think that I mean with regard to their birth; that is the least consideration; but I mean with regard to their merit, and the light in which the world considers them.