Lord Chesterfield's Letters Book

Eighteenth century English aristocrat obsesses over his son's "parts". If this lead-in appeals to you then you may have the wrong idea. Chesterfield's letters are mostly addressed to his son, though a smattering are addressed to others concerning his son or current affairs pertaining to the time & person to whom each were written. Each of the former is for the purpose of furthering his son's education of the world. The story is an old one, even in the 18th century. Chesterfield, though an adept political insider, felt he never "went as far as he should have" and vowed to himself to give his son all the advantages that he lacked. His contacts were open to him. Education was provided through the best available tutors. His purse was liberally accessed within shrewd reason. And, speaking of shrewd reason, most importantly, Chesterfield took upon himself to provide his son with a thoroughly practical education for getting on in this world. He is very specific that this isn't just familial obligation followed through with diligence. Chesterfield states unequivocally, "I want the rays of your rising to reflect new luster upon my setting light". C could apply pressure, indeed. "My object is to make you fit to live;which, if you are not, I do not desire that you should live at all." All topics are covered, all bases stomped upon repeatedly: from speaking, to appearance, to dancing. Not all recommendations are entirely mercenary and mean. Chesterfield actually has a very modern view of the salubriousness of exposing the young to multiple languages as a prompting to proficiency in them later in life. He is also very modern in his reluctance to utilize physical punishment, though it does enter in(18th century, you know). C's focus is on how to impress superiors for promotion, utilizing peers for personal benefit, and keeping proper distance from, while maintaining a working relationship with inferiors. The man of parts(educated & endowed) was thusly nothing without fine and gracious manners. Samuel Johnson, angered over a promise of support for his dictionary which didn't materialize, savaged Chesterfield for his ethics fit for a dance master. Smollett felt of C's character in a similar fashion. In truth, much of the advice C offered is far from PC. On this International Woman's Day I take time to quote Chesterfield as to the feminine: "Women...are only children of a larger growth; they have an entertaining tattle and sometimes wit; but for solid, reasoning good-sense, I never knew in my life one that had it, or who reasoned or acted consequentially for four and twenty hours together". Sadly, his son fell far short of the mark Chesterfield notched for him. The last tenth of the letters are addressed to C's godson who eventually replaces C's son as a potential political/spiritual heir, later to become his legal heir after C's son dies. The godson fared no better and it is rather sad to hear the lessons repeated, with the same sorry result, as C has entered old age. One walks away with the impression that these letters were published for the purpose of assisting some other "son" out there who might finally benefit from the lessons given by a master of the everyday-political-practical world. Given, received, but not actualized in either intended case in Chesterfield's lifetime.