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
Speak of the moderns without contempt and of the ancients without idolatry; judge them all by their merits, but not by their age
Interpretation
What this quote means
Evaluate people based on their actions and contributions rather than their age or historical status.
This quote by Lord Chesterfield emphasizes the importance of judging individuals on their own merits rather than holding contempt for modern thinkers or idolizing ancient ones. It suggests that wisdom can be found in both the past and the present, and that evaluations should be fair and balanced, appreciating the contributions of each era without bias.
Themes
JudgmentWisdomMeritContemptIdolatryHistoryEvaluation
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about literature, one might use this quote to advocate for a fair evaluation of modern authors compared to classic ones.
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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