Philip Dormer Stanhope Quotes

A collection of quotes by Philip Dormer Stanhope.

Philip Dormer Stanhope was an influential figure of the 18th century, born on September 22, 1694, in London, England. Known for his eloquent writings and progressive ideas, Stanhope was an English statesman, writer, and philosopher. He is recognized primarily for his epistolary work, as well as his societal and political contributions.

Stanhope was an active member of the Whig party and held several important positions in British governmental affairs. He served as a member of Parliament, a Lord of the Treasury, a diplomat, and eventually reached the esteemed rank of Secretary of State. His political influence and strong stance on social issues allowed him to enact significant reforms, particularly in the field of education.

In addition to his political career, Stanhope was a prolific writer. His most renowned work, "Letters to His Son on the Art of Becoming a Man of the World and a Gentleman," was a compilation of letters addressed to his illegitimate son. In these letters, he provided advice on various topics such as manners, fashion, personal conduct, and acquiring knowledge. The book became immensely popular and was praised for its insights into societal norms and personal development.

Philip Dormer Stanhope, the 4th Earl of Chesterfield, passed away on March 24, 1773. His writings and contributions continue to have a lasting impact on literature, political theory, and the art of living a refined life.

We are really so prejudiced by our educations, that, as the

We are really so prejudiced by our educations, that, as the ancients deified their heroes, we deify their madmen.

Philip Dormer Stanhope

Prejudice Inspirational Heroes

Flattery, though a base coin, is the necessary pocket money

Flattery, though a base coin, is the necessary pocket money at court; where, by custom and consent, it has obtained such a currency that it is no longer a fraudulent, but a legal payment.

Philip Dormer Stanhope

Flattery

Nature has hardly formed a woman ugly enough to be insensibl

Nature has hardly formed a woman ugly enough to be insensible to flattery upon her person; if her face is so shocking that she must in some degree be conscious of it, her figure and her air, she trusts, make ample amends for it.

Philip Dormer Stanhope

Flattery

A man's penmanship is an unfailing index of his character, m

A man's penmanship is an unfailing index of his character, moral and mental, and a criterion by which to judge his peculiarities of taste and sentiments.

Philip Dormer Stanhope

Penmanship

The young leading the young, is like the blind leading the b

The young leading the young, is like the blind leading the blind; they will both fall into the ditch.

Philip Dormer Stanhope


A light supper, a good night's sleep, and a fine morning hav

A light supper, a good night's sleep, and a fine morning have sometimes made a hero of the same man who, by an indigestion, a restless night, and a rainy morning would have proved a coward.

Philip Dormer Stanhope

Cowardice/weakness

Every man becomes, to a certain degree, what the people he g

Every man becomes, to a certain degree, what the people he generally converses with are.

Philip Dormer Stanhope

Relationships

Let dull critics feed upon the carcases of plays; give me th

Let dull critics feed upon the carcases of plays; give me the taste and the dressing.

Philip Dormer Stanhope


I am sure that since I have had the full use of my reason, n

I am sure that since I have had the full use of my reason, nobody has heard me laugh.

Philip Dormer Stanhope

Laughter

Few men are of one plain, decided color; most are mixed, sha

Few men are of one plain, decided color; most are mixed, shaded or blended; and vary as much from different situations, as changeable silks do from different lights.

Philip Dormer Stanhope

Identity