Men are much more unwilling to have their weaknesses and their imperfections known than their crimes.

— Lord Chesterfield

Modesty is the only sure bait when you angle for praise.

— Lord Chesterfield

Never hold anyone by the button or the hand in order to be heard out for if people are unwilling to hear you you had better hold your tongue than them.

— Lord Chesterfield

Patience is a most necessary quality for business many a man would rather you heard his story than grant his request.

— Lord Chesterfield

Pleasure is a reciprocal no one feels it who does not at the same time give it. To be pleased one must please.

— Lord Chesterfield

Pocket all your knowledge with your watch and never pull it out in company unless desired.

— Lord Chesterfield

Polished brass will pass upon more people than rough gold.

— Lord Chesterfield

Style is the dress of thoughts.

— Lord Chesterfield

The less one has to do the less time one finds to do it in. One yawns one procrastinates one can do it when one will and therefore one seldom does it at all whereas those who have a great deal of business must buckle to it and then they always find time enough to do it.

— Lord Chesterfield

The manner of your speaking is full as important as the matter as more people have ears to be tickled than understandings to judge.

— Lord Chesterfield