As fathers commonly go, it is seldom a misfortune to be fatherless; and considering the general run of sons, as seldom a misfortune to be childless. – Lord Chesterfield
The scholar without good breeding is a nitpicker; the philosopher a cynic; the soldier a brute and everyone else disagreeable. – Lord Chesterfield
The mere brute pleasure of reading — the sort of pleasure a cow must have in grazing. – Lord Chesterfield
Good breeding is the result of good sense, some good nature, and a little self-denial for the sake of others. – Lord Chesterfield
Sir Walter, being strangely surprised and put out of his countenance at so great a table, gives his son a damned blow over the face. His son, as rude as he was, would not strike his father, but strikes over the face the gentleman that sat next to him and said Box about: twill come to my father anon. – John Aubrey