Philip Dormer Stanhope
Philip Dormer Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield PC KG was a British statesman and man of letters.
A Whig, Lord Stanhope, as he was known until his father's death in 1726, was born in London, and educated at Cambridge and then went on the Grand Tour of the continent. The death of Anne and the accession of George I opened up a career for him and brought him back to England. His relative James Stanhope, the king's favourite minister, procured for him the place of gentleman of the bedchamber to the Prince of Wales.
“You will find that reason, which always ought to direct mankind, seldom does; but that passions and weaknesses commonly usurp its seat, and rule in its stead.”
Philip Dormer Stanhope
“Keep your own secret, and get out other people's.”
Philip Dormer Stanhope
“We are really so prejudiced by our educations, that, as the ancients deified their heroes, we deify their madmen.”
Philip Dormer Stanhope
“In seeking wisdom thou art wise in imagining that thou hast attained it - thou art a fool.”
Philip Dormer Stanhope
“I wish to God that you had as much pleasure in following my advice, as I have in giving it to you. ”
Philip Dormer Stanhope
“Gratitude is a burden upon our imperfect nature, and we are but too willing to ease ourselves of it, or at least to lighten it as much as we can. ”
Philip Dormer Stanhope
“Vice, in its true light, is so deformed, that it shocks us at first sight; and would hardly ever seduce us, if it did not at first wear the mask of some virtue. ”
Philip Dormer Stanhope
“Absolute power can only be supported by error, ignorance and prejudice. ”
Philip Dormer Stanhope
“Idleness is only the refuge of weakminds, and the holiday of fools.”
Philip Dormer Stanhope