Philip Dormer Stanhope Quotes

Lay down a method also for your reading; let it be in a consistent and consecutive course, and not in that desultory and unmethodical manner, in which many people read scraps of different authors, upon different subjects.

I wish to God that you had as much pleasure in following my advice, as I have in giving it to you.

Secret thoughts and an open countenance will take you safely the world over

Conceal your learning from the company

Never display your learning, but on particular occasions. Reserve it for learned men, and let even these rather extort it from you, than appear forward to display it. Hence you will be deemed modest, and reputed to possess more knowledge than you really have. Never seem wiser or more learned than your company. The man who affects to display his learning, will be frequently questioned; and if found superficial, will be ridiculed and despised; if otherwise, he will be deemed a pedant. Nothing can lessen real merit (which will always shew itself) in the opinion of the world, but an ostentatious display by its possessor.

In seeking wisdom thou art wise in imagining that thou hast attained it - thou art a fool.

Pleasure is the rock which most young people split upon: they launch out with crowded sails in quest of it, but without a compass to direct their course, or reason sufficient to steer the vessel; for want of which, pain and shame, instead of pleasure, are the returns of their voyage.

In seeking wisdom thou art wise; in imagining thou hast attained it - thou art a fool.

People not used to the world … are unskillful enough to show what they have sense enough not to tell.

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 editions of them.

Wrongs are often forgiven, but contempt never is. Our pride remembers it forever.

Common sense is the best sense I know of

you are whatever the company you keep is.

There is no living in the world without a complaisant indulgence for people's weaknesses, and innocent, though ridiculous vanities. If a man has a mind to be thought wiser, and a woman handsomer, than they really are, their error is a comfortable one to themselves, and an innocent one with regard to other people; and I would rather make them my friends by indulging them in it it, than my enemies, by endeavouring, and that to no purpose, to undeceive them.

Take care in your minutes, and the hours will take care of themselves.

Well, then, good night to you; you have no objection, I hope, to my being drunk to-night, which I certainly will be.