Quotes from Philip Dormer Stanhope

His clothes fit him so ill, and constrain him so much, that he seems rather their prisoner than their proprietor.

May you live as long as you are fit to live, but no longer! or, may you rather die before you cease to be fit to live than after!

Idleness is only the refuge of weak minds, and the holiday of fools.

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.

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.

Absolute power can only be supported by error, ignorance and prejudice.

We are really so prejudiced by our educations, that, as the ancients deified their heroes, we deify their madmen.

Keep your own secret, and get out other people's.

I wish to God that you had as much pleasure in following my advice, as I have in giving it to you.

In seeking wisdom thou art wise in imagining that thou hast attained it - thou art a fool.

People not used to the world … are unskillful enough to show what they have sense enough not to tell.

There is time enough for everything, in the course of the day, if you do but one thing at once; but there is not time enough in the year, if you will do two things at a time.

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.

As your affection for me can only proceed from your experience and conviction of my fondness for you (for to talk of natural affection is talking nonsense), the only return I desire is, what it is chiefly your interest to make me; I mean your invariable practice of virtue, and your indefatigable pursuit of knowledge. Adieu! and be persuaded that I shall love you extremely, while you deserve it; but not one moment longer.

errors and mistakes, however gross, in matters of opinion, if they are sincere, are to be pitied, but not punished nor laughed at. The blindness of the understanding is as much to be pitied as the blindness of the eye; and there is neither jest nor guilt in a man's losing his way in either case. Charity bids us set him right if we can, by arguments and persuasions; but charity, at the same time, forbids, either to punish or ridicule his misfortune.

you are whatever the company you keep is.

Learning is acquired by reading books, but the much more necessary learning, the knowledge of the world is only to be acquired by reading men, and studying all the various editions of them.

Take warning then by them: choose your pleasures for yourself, and do not let them be imposed upon you. Follow nature and not fashion: weigh the present enjoyment of your pleasures against the necessary consequences of them, and then let your own common sense determine your choice. Were

As a man of sense never at?tempts impossibilities, on one hand, or the other, he is never discouraged by difficulties: on the contrary, he redoubles his industry and his diligence, he perseveres, and infallibly prevails at last.

All I desire for my own burial is not to be buried alive.

I recommend you take care of the minutes: for hours take care of themselves

There are some occasions in which a man must tell half his secret, in order to conceal the rest

We are really so prejudiced by our educations, that, as the ancients deified their heroes, we deify their madmen.

In matters of religion and matrimony I never give advice, because I will not have anybody's torments in this world or the next laid to my charge.