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Though we cannot totally change our nature, we may in great measure correct it by reflection and philosophy and some philosophy is a very necessary companion in this world, where, even to the most fortunate, the chances are greatly against happiness.

Lord Chesterfield

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Lord Chesterfield
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Pocket all your knowledge with your watch, and never pull it out in company unless desired.
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One should always think of what one is about when one is learning, one should not think of play and when one is at play, one should not think of learning.
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An injury is much sooner forgotten than an insult.
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Learning is acquired by reading books much more necessary learning, the knowledge of the world, is only to be acquired by reading men, and studying all the various editions of them.
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No man tastes pleasures truly, who does not earn them by previous business and few people do business well, who do nothing else.
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A cheerful, easy, open countenance will make fools think you a good-natured man, and make designing men think you an undesigning one.
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Women especially as to be talked to as below men, and above children.
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Ceremony is necessary in Courts, as the outwork and defense of manners.
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Remember, as long as you live, that nothing but strict truth can carry you through the world, with either your conscience or your honor unwounded.
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Common sense (which, in truth, is very uncommon) is the best sense I know of: abide by it it will counsel you best.
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I look upon indolence as a sort of suicide.
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There is hardly anybody good for everything, and there is scarcely anybody who is absolutely good for nothing.
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Almost all men are born with every passion to some extent, but there is hardly a man who has not a dominant passion to which the others are subordinate. Discover this governing passion in every individual and when you have found the master passion of a man, remember never to trust to him where that passion is concerned.
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I heartily wish you, in the plain home-spun style, a great number of happy new years, well employed in forming both your mind andyour manners, to be useful and agreeable to yourself, your country, and your friends.
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To know a little of anything gives neither satisfaction nor credit, but often brings disgrace or ridicule.
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Let your letter be written as accurately as you are able,--I mean with regard to language, grammar, and stops for as to the matter of it the less trouble you give yourself the better it will be. Letters should be easy and natural, and convey to the persons to whom we send them just what we should say to the persons if we were with them.
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Knowledge may give weight, but accomplishments give luster, and many more people see than weigh.
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Good manners are the settled medium of social, as specie is of commercial, life returns are equally expected for both.
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Women who are either indisputably beautiful, or indisputably ugly, are best flattered upon the score of their understandings.
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Physical ills are the taxes laid upon this wretched life some are taxed higher, and some lower, but all pay something.
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