Quotes by Chesterfield, Lord

I look upon indolence as a sort of suicide; for the man is effectually >>

Ceremony is necessary as the outwork and defense of manners. >>

Whatever is worth doing at all is worth doing well. >>

Quotations about Guests

Visitors are insatiable devourers of time, and fit only for those who, >>

A civil guest will no more talk all, than eat all the feast. >>

Guests, like fish, begin to smell after three days. >>

Whoever is admitted or sought for, in company, upon any other account than that of his merit and manners, is never respected there, but only made use of. We will have such-a-one, for he sings prettily; we will invite such-a-one to a ball, for he dances well; we will have such-a-one at supper, for he is always joking and laughing; we will ask another because he plays deep at all games, or because he can drink a great deal. These are all vilifying distinctions, mortifying preferences, and exclude all ideas of esteem and regard. Whoever is had (as it is called) in company for the sake of any one thing singly, is singly that thing, and will never be considered in any other light; consequently never respected, let his merits be what they will.

Chesterfield, Lord