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
Custom has made dancing sometimes necessary for a young man; therefore mind it while you learn it, that you may learn to do it well, and not be ridiculous, though in a ridiculous act.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote highlights the importance of learning social customs, like dancing, with care to avoid embarrassment.
Lord Chesterfield emphasizes that social skills, such as dancing, are integral to a young man's life. He advises taking the time to learn these customs properly to avoid being perceived as foolish, suggesting that while some social expectations may seem absurd, mastering them is essential for social acceptance and success.
Themes
DancingLearningCustomsSocial SkillsEducation
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the importance of social graces at a wedding.
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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