Be wiser than other people, if you can, but do not tell them so.
—Lord Chesterfield
Whatever you do, do it to the purpose; do it thoroughly, not superficially. Go to the bottom of things. Any thing half done, or half known, is in my mind, neither done nor known at all. Nay, worse, for it often misleads.
—Lord Chesterfield
He makes people pleased with him by making them first pleased with themselves.
—Lord Chesterfield
Never seem more learned than the people you are with. Wear your learning like a pocket watch and keep it hidden. Do not pull it out to count the hours, but give the time when you are asked.
—Lord Chesterfield
[Common sense] is the best sense I know of.
—Lord Chesterfield