"Never seem wiser, nor more learned, than the people you are with. Wear your learning, like your watch, in a private pocket: and do not merely pull it out and strike it; merely to show that you have one"
- Lord Chesterfield
About this Quote
This quote by Lord Chesterfield is a suggestion to be humble and not to flaunt one's knowledge. It is necessary to be familiar with the understanding and knowledge of those around us, and to not act as if we transcend. We must not flaunt our understanding, however rather keep it to ourselves, like a watch in a pocket. We ought to not be constantly attempting to prove our intelligence, however rather use it to contribute to conversations in a significant way. It is essential to be respectful of the knowledge of others, and to not be boastful of our own. We ought to be confident in our knowledge, but not big-headed. This quote is a pointer to be simple and to use our understanding to benefit those around us.