Letters to His Son, 1751 On the Fine Art of Becoming a Man of the World and a Gentleman

"Letters to His Son" by Earl of Chesterfield is a series of missives penned in the 1700s with the goal of teaching his son the secrets of social and political life. The letters serve as a manual for turning a young man into a polished gentleman, highlighting the power of good speaking, proper behavior, and social skills to achieve success in all areas of life. The book starts with Chesterfield's fatherly guidance and worry for his son's schooling while he is in Paris. He encourages him to make connections, spend time with powerful people, and improve his manners, with an emphasis not only on what he knows, but also on diplomacy and social skills. Chesterfield stresses the need to learn by watching the world, building relationships, and being of good character, as well as the importance of eloquent speech. This lays the groundwork for a thorough education on how to act and be successful in high society, which is still relevant today.