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Quote by Lord Chesterfield

“I am grown old, and have possibly lost a great deal of that fire, which formerly made me love fire in others at any rate, and however attended with smoke: but now I must have all sense, and cannot, for the sake of five righteous lines, forgive a thousand absurd ones.”

Quote by Lord Chesterfield

Book:Lord Chesterfield's Letters

Work

Lord Chesterfield's Letters

Lord Chesterfield's Letters is a compilation of the correspondence between the 4th Earl of Chesterfield and his son. These letters provide a unique glimpse into the social and political landscape of 18th-century England, as well as the personal wisdom and advice that Lord Chesterfield imparted to his son. more

Author

Lord Chesterfield

British statesman known for his epistolary works, which had a profound impact on 18th-century British society. more

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“Religion is by no means a proper subject of conversation in mixed company; it should only be treated among a very few people of learning, for mutual instruction. It is too awful and respectable a subject to become a familiar one.”

People Should Mean Religion Company Subjects Conversation Treated Familiar Awful Mutual Instruction Respectable Taboo

Book:Lord Chesterfield's Letters

Source: Lord Chesterfield's Letters

“Though we cannot totally change our nature, we may in great measure correct it by reflection and philosophy; and some philosophy is a very necessary companion in this world, where, even to the most fortunate, the chances are greatly against happiness.”

Thinking World May Philosophy Chance Human Nature This World Reflection Fortunate Thoughtful Companion Chances Are

Book:Lord Chesterfield's Letters

Source: Lord Chesterfield's Letters

“Sculpture and painting are very justly called liberal arts; a lively and strong imagination, together with a just observation, being absolutely necessary to excel in either; which, in my opinion, is by no means the case of music, though called a liberal art, and now in Italy placed even above the other two--a proof of the decline of that country.”

Mean Art Two Country Together Artist Strong Imagination Music Opinion Cases Painting Musician Proof Observation Decline Sculpture Lively Liberal Arts

Author:Lord Chesterfield

“Indifference is commonly the mother of discretion.”

Wisdom Mother Indifference Discretion

Author:Lord Chesterfield

“A young fellow ought to be wiser than he should seem to be; and an old fellow ought to seem wise whether he really be so or not.”

Should Wisdom Seems Young Wise Youth Ought Fellows Maturity Wiser Being Wise

Book:The Works of Lord Chesterfield: Including His Letters to His Son, Etc : to which is Prefixed, an Original Life of the Author

Source: The Works of Lord Chesterfield: Including His Letters to His Son, Etc : to which is Prefixed, an Original Life of the Author

“Conscious virtue is the only solid foundation of all happiness; for riches, power, rank, or whatever, in the common acceptation ofthe word, is supposed to constitute happiness, will never quiet, much less cure, the inward pangs of guilt.”

Happiness Common Virtue Quiet Conscious Foundation Guilt Riches Cures Inward Solid Foundation

Book:The Works of Lord Chesterfield: Including His Letters to His Son, Etc : to which is Prefixed, an Original Life of the Author

Source: The Works of Lord Chesterfield: Including His Letters to His Son, Etc : to which is Prefixed, an Original Life of the Author

“You must labour to acquire that great and uncommon talent of hating with good breeding, and loving with prudence; to make no quarrel irreconcilable by silly and unnecessary indications of anger; and no friendship dangerous, in care it breaks, by a wanton, indiscreet, and unreserved confidence.”

Love Care Hate Break Talent Dangerous Silly Acquire Labour Unnecessary Quarrels Prudence Indication Breeding Love Hate Uncommon Wanton Good Breeding

Author:Lord Chesterfield

“Of those who really love their sons, few know how to do it. Some spoil them when they are young, and then quarrel with them when they are grown up, for having been spoiled; some love them like mothers, and attend only to the bodily health and strength of the hopes of their family, solemnize his birthday, and rejoice, like the subjects of the Great Mogul, at the increase of his bulk: while others, minding, as they think, only essentials, take pains and pleasure to see in their heir, all their favourite weaknesses and imperfections.”

Source: The Works of Lord Chesterfield: Including His Letters to His Son, Etc : to which is Prefixed, an Original Life of the Author

“Ties of blood are not always ties of friendship; but friendship founded on merit, on esteem, and on mutual trust, becomes more vital and more tender when strengthened by the ties of blood.”

Friendship Blood Esteem Merit Ties Mutual Mutual Trust

Author:Lord Chesterfield

“In friendship, as well as in love, the mind is often the dupe of the heart.”

Love Mind Wells Heart Friendship Friends Dupes

Author:Lord Chesterfield