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To write anything tolerable, the mind must be in a natural, proper disposition provocatives, in that case, as well as in another,will only produce miserable, abortive performances.

Lord Chesterfield

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Instead of giving in to the greatest misfortune that can happen at my age, deafness, I busy myself in searching out all possible compensations, and I apply myself much more to all the amusements that are here within my grasp.
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You must look into people, as well as at them.
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If we do not plant knowledge when young, it will give us no shade when we are old.
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Never write down your speeches beforehand if you do, you may perhaps be a good declaimer, but will never be a debater.
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Love has been not unaptly compared to the small-pox, which most people have sooner or later.
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The heart has such an influence over the understanding, that it is worth while to engage it in our interest.
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A gentleman has ease without familiarity, is respectful without meanness genteel without affectation, insinuating without seeming art.
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