Common sense (which, in truth, is very uncommon) is the best sense I know of: abide by it; it will counsel you best.
Lord ChesterfieldRead
I knew a gentleman who was so good a manager of his time that he would not even lose that small portion of it which the calls of nature obliged him to pass in the necessary-house; but gradually went through all the Latin poets in those moments.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of time management and making productive use of every moment.
Lord Chesterfield highlights how a gentleman skillfully managed his time, even using moments typically seen as unproductive, such as taking care of natural bodily calls, to engage with literature. This serves as a reminder that every moment can be utilized for growth or learning, emphasizing both the value of time and the creative ways one can find to be productive.
Themes
Time ManagementProductivityLiteratureGrowthLearning
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a seminar on productivity to inspire participants to utilize every moment effectively.
More from Lord Chesterfield
All quotes →Never seem wiser, nor more learned, than the people you are with. Wear your learning, like your watch, in a private pocket: and do not merely pull it out and strike it; merely to show that you have one.
Lord ChesterfieldRead
If you can once engage people's pride, love, pity, ambition on your side, you need not fear what their reason can do against you.
Lord ChesterfieldRead
Merit and knowledge will not gain hearts, though they will secure them when gained.
Lord ChesterfieldRead
Firmness of purpose is one of the best instruments of success.
Lord ChesterfieldRead
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. A man must have a good share of wit himself to endure a great share of it in another.
Lord ChesterfieldRead
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