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
A man's own good breeding is the best security against other people's ill manners.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Good manners and breeding help protect an individual from the rudeness of others.
This quote suggests that possessing good breeding and manners serves as a defense mechanism against the negativity or ill behaviors exhibited by others. It implies that an individual's character and grace can shield them from external negativity, promoting a more dignified response in social interactions.
Themes
MannersBreedingSecurityIllBehaviorsRudeness
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the importance of social etiquette, one might say this quote to emphasize how good breeding can help navigate difficult situations.
More from Lord Chesterfield
All quotes βNever 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.
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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.
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Merit and knowledge will not gain hearts, though they will secure them when gained.
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Firmness of purpose is one of the best instruments of success.
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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.
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