The insolent civility of a proud man is, if possible, more shocking than his rudeness could be; because he shows you, by his manner, that he thinks it mere condescension in him; and that his goodness alone bestows upon you what you have no pretense to claim.
Lord ChesterfieldWear your knowledge like your watch - in you pocket - and don't pull it out just for show.
Lord ChesterfieldIf you can once engage people's pride, love, pity, ambition (or whatever is their prevailing passion) on your side, you need not fear what their reason can do against you.
Lord ChesterfieldIt must be owned, that the Graces do not seem to be natives of Great Britain; and I doubt, the best of us here have more of rough than polished diamond.
Lord ChesterfieldThe best way to compel weak-minded people to adopt our opinion, is to frighten them from all others, by magnifying their danger.
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