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
Dancing is, in itself, a very trifling and silly thing: but it is one of those established follies to which people of sense are sometimes obliged to conform; and then they should be able to do it well. And though I would not have you a dancer, yet, when you do dance, I would have you dance well, as I would have you do everything you do well.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Dancing may seem trivial, but participating in it well is valuable and reflects a broader attitude of excellence in all endeavors.
In this quote, Lord Chesterfield emphasizes the importance of mastering even seemingly trivial activities like dancing. He acknowledges that while dancing might be considered a lighthearted or silly pursuit, it is a social norm that one might need to engage in. Therefore, one should endeavor to perform any task, including dancing, with skill and grace, promoting a mindset of excellence regardless of the activity at hand.
Themes
DancingExcellenceSkillPerformanceSocial Norms
In practice
Example use cases
Encouraging students to participate in the school dance recital with confidence and skill.
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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