Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield Quotes

I knew once a very covetous, sordid fellow, who used to say, "Take care of the pence, for the pounds will take care of themselves."

[On sex] The pleasure is momentary, the position ridiculous, the expense damnable.

The herd of mankind can hardly be said to think; their notions are almost all adoptive; and, in general, I believe it is better that it should be so; as such common prejudices contribute more to order and quiet, than their own separate reasonings would do, uncultivated and unimproved as they are.

Without some dissimulation no business can be carried on at all.

Courts and camps are the only places to learn the world in.

Our conjectures pass upon us for truths; we will know what we do not know, and often, what we cannot know: so mortifying to our pride is the base suspicion of ignorance.

Know the true value of time; snatch, seize, and enjoy every moment of it. No idleness, no laziness, no procrastination: never put off till to-morrow what you can do to-day.

Every woman is infallibly to be gained by every sort of flattery, and every man by one sort or other.

Knowledge may give weight, but accomplishments give luster, and many more people see than weigh.

Let dull critics feed upon the carcasses of plays; give me the taste and the dressing.

In my mind, there is nothing so illiberal and so ill-bred, as audible laughter.

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

Advice is seldom welcome; and those who want it the most always like it the least.

There is time enough for everything, in the course of the day, if you do but one thing at once; but there is not time enough in the year, if you will do two things at a time.

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.