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
Virtue and learning, like gold, have their intrinsic value: but if they are not polished, they certainly lose a great deal of their luster: and even polished brass will pass upon more people than rough gold.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Knowledge and virtue hold inherent value, but their worth diminishes if not cultivated and refined.
This quote highlights the importance of polishing one's virtues and knowledge to enhance their value and appeal. Just as gold shines brighter when polished, so too do our virtues and learning need to be nurtured; otherwise, they may be overlooked in favor of more superficially attractive qualities, like polished brass. Lord Chesterfield suggests that refining one's character and intellect makes them more noticeable and respected in society.
Themes
VirtueLearningValuePolishedWisdom
In practice
Example use cases
During a graduation speech to emphasize the importance of continuous self-improvement.
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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