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
Ridicule is the best test of truth.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Ridicule can reveal the validity of an idea or belief.
This quote by Lord Chesterfield suggests that ridicule serves as a powerful mechanism for assessing the truthfulness of an idea. When an idea can withstand mockery or criticism, it may indicate that it holds merit, while ideas that falter under such scrutiny might lack substance or truth.
Themes
RidiculeTruthTestIdeasValidity
In practice
Example use cases
In a debate, one can use this quote to emphasize the strength of their argument when challenged.
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
Similar quotes
To get the right word in the right place is a rare achievement.
Mark TwainRead
One of the great mistakes is to judge policies and programs by their intentions rather than their results.
Milton FriedmanRead
Think of these things, whence you came, where you are going, and to whom you must account.
Benjamin FranklinRead
Excellence is to do a common thing in an uncommon way.
Booker T. WashingtonRead
It's an awful truth that suffering can deepen us, give a greater lustre to our colours, a richer resonance to our words.
Anne RiceRead
Our credulity is greatest concerning the things we know least about.
Eric HofferRead