QuoteProject
Words are the dress of thoughts; which should no more be presented in rags, tatters, and dirt than your person should.
Lord Chesterfield
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote emphasizes the importance of expressing our thoughts clearly and eloquently, just as we would present ourselves well.

Lord Chesterfield's quote suggests that just as our appearance matters, so does the way we communicate our thoughts. He draws a parallel between clothing and language, arguing that ideas deserve to be presented in a refined and thoughtful manner, rather than in a sloppy or careless way. This highlights the value of clarity and eloquence in communication, as our words shape how others perceive our thoughts and intentions.

Themes

CommunicationThoughtsClarityExpressionLanguage

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech about effective communication, you could say, 'As Lord Chesterfield wisely stated, words are the dress of thoughts.'

More from Lord Chesterfield

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
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

Similar quotes

We are ever free if we would only believe it, only have faith enough.
Swami VivekanandaRead
Anxiety is the gap between now and later.
Frederick Salomon PerlsRead
The path of spiritual growth is a path of lifelong learning.
M. Scott PeckRead
The most savory grape, the one that produces the wines with best texture and aroma, the sweetest and most generous, doesn't grow in rich soil but in stony land; the plant, with a mother's obstinacy, overcomes obstacles to thrust its roots deep into the ground and take advantage of every drop of water. That, my grandmother explained to me, is how flavors are concentrated in the grape.
Isabel AllendeRead
I shall pass through this world but once. Any good, therefore, that I can do or any kindness I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer it or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.
Stephen GrelletRead
But because of his telling, many who did not believe have come to believe, and some who did not care have come to care. He tells the story, out of infinite pain, partly to honor the dead, but also to warn the living - to warn the living that it could happen again and that it must never happen again. Better than one heart be broken a thousand times in the retelling, he has decided, if it means that a thousand other hearts need not be broken at all. (vi)
Elie WieselRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.