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
Young men are apt to think themselves wise enough, as drunken men are apt to think themselves sober enough.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote highlights the false confidence often found in youth, comparing it to the delusion of drunkenness.
Lord Chesterfield emphasizes that young men frequently overestimate their wisdom, much like how intoxicated individuals mistakenly believe they are sober. This suggests a cautionary note about the tendency of youth to lack the experience necessary for true insight, warning that confidence without wisdom can lead to poor decisions.
Themes
WisdomYouthConfidenceExperienceKnowledge
In practice
Example use cases
This quote is perfect for discussions on the overconfidence of youth in educational settings.
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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