It is by vivacity and wit that man shines in company; but trite jokes and loud laughter reduce him to a buffoon.
Lord ChesterfieldMany people come into company full of what they intend to say in it themselves, without the least regard to others; and thus charged up to the muzzle are resolved to let it off at any rate.
Lord ChesterfieldA 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.
Lord ChesterfieldMay you live as long as you are fit to live, but no longer, or, may you rather die before you cease to be fit to live than after!
Lord ChesterfieldMen have various subjects in which they may excel, or at least would be thought to excel, and though they love to hear justice done to them where they know they excel, yet they are most and best flattered upon those points where they wish to excel and yet are doubtful whether they do or not.
Lord Chesterfield