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
Observe it, the vulgar often laugh, but never smile, whereas well-bred people often smile, and seldom or never laugh. A witty thing never excited laughter, it pleases only the mind and never distorts the countenance.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that laughter is more associated with the unrefined, while a genuine smile signifies a deeper appreciation of wit and intellect.
Lord Chesterfield distinguishes between laughter and smiling to highlight the differences in social classes and intellectual appreciation. He notes that vulgar people may laugh openly, but they do not possess the refinement to truly appreciate wit, which only brings a smile to those of higher breeding who engage with the mind instead of resorting to mere amusement.
Themes
WitSmileLaughterMindRefinementSocial Class
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about social interactions, one might say, 'As Lord Chesterfield reminds us, a witty exchange is best met with a smile rather than laughter.'
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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