Principles of politeness, and of knowing the world

In "Principles of Politeness, and of Knowing the World," Philip Dormer Stanhope, the Earl of Chesterfield, distills the essence of 18th-century etiquette and social conduct into a compendium that balances wit with wisdom. Chesterfield's literary style is characterized by clarity and precision, utilizing epistolary forms to convey practical advice sprinkled with philosophical reflections. This work...