Lord Chesterfield

Whatever you do, do it to the purpose; do it thoroughly, not superficially. Go to the bottom of things. Any thing half done, or half known, is in my mind, neither done nor known at all. Nay, worse, for it often misleads.

Learning is acquired by reading books, but the much more necessary learning, the knowledge of the world, is only to be acquired by reading men, and studying all the various facets of them.

I recommend that you take care of the minutes, for the hours will take care of themselves.

Modesty is the only sure bait when you angle for praise.

Choose your pleasures for yourself, and do not let them be imposed upon you.

Men will not believe because they will not broaden their minds

I recommend you to take care of the minutes, for the hours will take care of themselves.

The knowledge of the world is only to be acquired in the world, and not in a closet.

Wit is so shining a quality that everybody admires it; most people aim at it, all people fear it, and few love it unless in themselves.

Be wiser than other people, if you can, but do not tell them so.

[Common sense] is the best sense I know of.

Know the true value of time; snatch, seize, and enjoy every moment of it. No idleness; no laziness; no procrastination; never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.

There is hardly anybody good for everything, and there is scarcely anybody who is absolutely good for nothing.

Never seem more learned than the people you are with. Wear your learning like a pocket watch and keep it hidden. Do not pull it out to count the hours, but give the time when you are asked.

He makes people pleased with him by making them first pleased with themselves.