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
The world is a country which nobody ever yet knew by description; one must travel through it one's self to be acquainted with it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
We gain true understanding of the world through personal experience rather than descriptions.
This quote by Lord Chesterfield emphasizes the importance of firsthand experience in truly understanding the complexities of the world. It suggests that mere descriptions or secondhand accounts are insufficient for knowledge, and one must engage directly with their surroundings to gain real insight and knowledge.
Themes
ExperienceTravelUnderstandingKnowledgeExploration
In practice
Example use cases
During a graduation speech to encourage students to explore the world.
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
Reality - the way that is, exactly as it is, in every moment - is always kind. It's our story about reality that blurs our vision, obscures what's true, and leads us to believe that there is injustice in the world. I sometimes say that you move totally away from reality when you believe that there is a legitimate reason to suffer.
Byron KatieRead
The best way to deal with that is to live in a fully conscious, compassionate, loving way. Don't wait until you're on your deathbed to recognize that this is the only way to live.
Morrie SchwartzRead
Nothing raises the price of a blessing like its removal; whereas, it was its continuance which should have taught us its value. [It is wise to be grateful of what we have while we have it.]
Henry MooreRead
It is a lie to write in such way as to be rewarded by fame offered you by some snobbish quasi-literary groups in the intellectual gazettes.
Ray BradburyRead
Some luck lies in not getting what you thought you wanted but getting what you have.
Garrison KeillorRead
Do not believe a thing because you have read about it in a book. Do not believe a thing because another man has said it was true. Do not believe in words because they are hallowed by tradition. Find out the truth for yourself. Reason it out. That is realization.
Swami VivekanandaRead