The knowledge of the world is only to be acquired in the world, and not in a closet.
PHILIP DORMER STANHOPE, letter to his son, Oct. 4, 1746
An injury is much sooner forgotten than an insult.
PHILIP DORMER STANHOPE, letter to his son, Oct. 9, 1746
Knowledge may give weight, but accomplishments give lustre, and many more people see than weigh.
PHILIP DORMER STANHOPE, letter to his son, May 8, 1750
In my mind, there is nothing so illiberal and so ill-bred as audible laughter.
PHILIP DORMER STANHOPE, Advice to his Son
Few people do business well who do nothing else.
EARL OF CHESTERFIELD, letter to his son, Aug. 7, 1749
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.
PHILIP DORMER STANHOPE, letter to A.C. Stanhope, Oct. 12, 1765
Wear your learning, like a watch, in a private pocket; and do not pull it out and strike it, merely to show that you have one. If you are asked what o'clock it is, tell it, but do not proclaim it hourly and unasked, like the watchman.
PHILIP DORMER STANHOPE, Letters Written by the Earl of Chesterfield to His Son
As for operas, they are essentially too absurd and extravagant to mention; I look upon them as a magic scene contrived to please the eyes and the ears at the expense of the understanding.
PHILIP STANHOPE, letter to his son, January 23, 1752
Manners must adorn knowledge, and smooth its way through the world. Like a great rough diamond, it may do very well in a closet by way of curiosity, and also for its intrinsic value; but it will never be worn, nor shine, if it is not polished.
PHILIP STANHOPE, letter to his son, July 1, 1748
Real merit of any kind cannot long be concealed; it will be discovered, and nothing can depreciate it, but a man's exhibiting it himself. It may not always be rewarded as it ought, but it will always be known.
PHILIP STANHOPE, The Elements of a Polite Education
Speak the language of the company you are in; speak it purely, and unlarded with any other.
PHILIP DORMER STANHOPE, Letters Written by the Earl of Chesterfield to His Son
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