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
Men, as well as women, are much oftener led by their hearts than by their understandings.
Interpretation
What this quote means
People tend to follow their emotions more than their rational thoughts.
This quote by Lord Chesterfield highlights the tendency of human beings to be driven by their emotions and feelings, rather than pure logic or reason. It suggests that decision-making and behavior are often influenced more strongly by what we feel than what we think, emphasizing the power of the heart in guiding our actions and choices in life.
Themes
EmotionDecision-MakingReasonHeartUnderstanding
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about emotional intelligence, one might quote Chesterfield to emphasize the importance of understanding our emotions.
More from Lord Chesterfield
All quotes βNever 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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