Lord Chesterfield Knowledge Quotations

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

Manners must adorn knowledge and smooth its way in the world, without them it is like a great rough diamond, very well in a closet by way of curiosity, and also for its intrinsic value; but most prized when polished.

Knowledge of the world in only to be acquired in the world, and not in a closet.

Second-rate knowledge, and middling talents, carry a man farther at courts, and in the busy part of the world, than superior knowledge and shining parts.

Remember that whatever knowledge you do not solidly lay the foundation of before you are eighteen, you will never be master of while you breathe.

Our conjectures pass upon us for truths; we will know what we do not know, and often, what we cannot know: so mortifying to our pride is the base suspicion of ignorance.

A seeming ignorance is very often a most necessary part of worldly knowledge. It is, for instance, commonly advisable to seem ignorant of what people offer to tell you; and, when they say, Have you not heard of such a thing? to answer, No, and to let them go on, though you know it already.

In short, let it be your maxim through life, to know all you can know, yourself; and never to trust implicitly to the informationsof others.

To know a little of anything gives neither satisfaction nor credit, but often brings disgrace or ridicule.

Knowledge may give weight, but accomplishments give luster, and many more people see than weigh.

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.

Pocket all your knowledge with your watch, and never pull it out in company unless desired.