"Men, as well as women, are much oftener led by their hearts than by their understandings"
- Lord Chesterfield
About this Quote
This quote by Lord Chesterfield suggests that people, regardless of gender, are more likely to be guided by their feelings than by their intelligence. He implies that individuals are more likely to make decisions based on their sensations instead of on reasonable thought. This might be interpreted as a criticism of the propensity of individuals to act impulsively and without considering the repercussions of their actions. It might likewise be viewed as a pointer to be mindful of our feelings and to think prior to we act. Lord Chesterfield's quote is a suggestion that our emotions can be effective and ought to be taken into account when making decisions. It is necessary to be familiar with our sensations and to use our intellect to make educated decisions.
"One has children in the expectation of dying before them. In fact, you want to make damn sure you die before them, just as you plant a tree or build a house knowing, hoping that it will outlive you. That's how the human species has done as well as it has"