Lord Chesterfield Stanhope

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." [of W. Lowndes, Secretary of the Treasury in the reigns of King William, Queen Anne, and King George the Third.]

A man of sense is never discouraged by difficulties; he redoubles his industry and his diligence, he perseveres, and infallibly prevails at last.

Firmness of purpose is one of the best instruments of success.

If you can once engage people's pride, love, pity, ambition (or whatever is their prevailing passion) on your side, you need not fear what their reason can do against you.

Aim at perfection in everything, though in most things it is unattainable. However, they who aim at it, and persevere, will come much nearer to it than those whose laziness and despondency make them give it up as unattainable.

A man of sense may be in haste, but can never be in a hurry.

Idleness is only the refuge of weak minds.

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

An able man shows his spirit by gentle words and resolute actions. He is neither hot nor timid.

Dispatch is the soul of business.