"It is an undoubted truth, that the less one has to do, the less time one finds to do it in. One yawns, one procrastinates, one can do it when one will, and therefore one seldom does it at all."

Wisdom

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Insight & Reflection

The theme of wisdom is universal, yet Lord Chesterfield manages to capture its essence in a uniquely profound way. Taking a moment to internalize this can shift our mindset, reminding us that our perspective on wisdom often shapes our reality.

About Lord Chesterfield

Earl of Chesterfield, in the County of Derby, was a title in the Peerage of England. It was created in 1628 for Philip Stanhope, 1st Baron Stanhope. He had been created Baron Stanhope, of Shelford in the County of Nottingham, in 1616, also in the Peerage of England. Stanhope's youngest son, the Hon. Alexander Stanhope, was the father of James Stanhope, 1st Earl Stanhope, while his half-brother Sir John Stanhope of Elvaston was the great-grandfather of William Stanhope, 1st Earl of Harrington.

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Editorial Note: This quote is curated and fact-checked by the Quotes Archive Editorial Team. Verified Literature Specialist.

More by Lord Chesterfield

"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."

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"I knew once a very covetous, sordid fellow, who used to say, “Take care of the pence, for the pounds will take care of themselves.”"

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"In my mind there is nothing so illiberal, and so ill-bred, as audible laughter.… I am neither of a melancholy, nor a cynical disposition, and am as willing and as apt to be pleased as anybody; but I am sure that since I have had the full use of my reason, nobody has ever heard me laugh."

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More about Wisdom

"To speak the truth in a season of deceit is an act of supreme bravery. Reflect upon this whenever doubt clouds your horizon — an essential principle for the reflective life."

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"It is a subtle truth that strive today so that tomorrow may stand upon solid ground — an essential principle for the reflective life."

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