This Book Should Be on Every School Curriculum - and the Campaign Starts Here

Philip Dormer Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield (1694–1773), was a British statesman, diplomat, and man of letters. Known for his wit, elegance, and refined manners, he served in various political roles, including Ambassador and Secretary of State. His “Letters to His Son” were written privately over the course of thirty years, offering guidance on education, conduct, and worldly success to his illegitimate son, Philip Stanhope. These letters, published posthumously, remain a unique window into 18th-century aristocratic values and personal mentorship.

When I first read Lord Chesterfield’s Letters, I devoured the book in just a few days, captivated by their elegant - if occasionally cumbersome - English from centuries past.

English books tend to tire me out faster at night (it is not my primary language), especially under the dim light of the bedside LED. But this book was worth every lost minute of sleep. During the day, I would go to work as usual, but in the evening, I could hardly wait to get home, curl up in bed with a cup of tea, and return to the company of this extraordinary text.

I read it with a smile on my face and a quiet ache in my heart. Letters to His Son is, at its core, a series of private correspondences from a father to his illegitimate son, whom he hasn’t seen in years but whom he supports financially and intellectually from afar. These letters were never intended for publication, and that’s precisely what gives them their depth: they radiate with the kind of intimacy and candor that only exists in private devotion between a father and his soon, albeit in a very polite manner.

Lord Chesterfield not only ensured his son received a formal education - paying for tutors, books, and study trips abroad - but also took it upon himself to offer what schools and books cannot teach: how to carry oneself in the world. How to be charming. How to win over people of higher rank and status. How to navigate the customs and subtleties of British high society and also of the courts and salons of Germany, Italy, and France, where his son was sent to study.

The lessons in these letters go beyond knowledge and lean more into character building and social skills. They touch on the art of conversation, the danger of vulgarity, the value of having grace, the elusive charm of sprezzatura (studied nonchalance), and the etiquette of interacting with women (although these particular pieces of advice can be rather dated now), all expressed through the affectionate, guiding tone of a parent who wants the best for his child.

Oftentimes such guidance is not passed on at home nowadays. Reasons are plenty and some are more sad than others. Lord Chesterfield was also a highly privileged man in his society - a privilege that most parents nowadays do not have. But in the absence of time, will or resources, people everywhere can still elevate themselves. Formal education can contribute to building up socially comfortable youths - if not through pedagogical means, then at least through curriculum.

this book is a good starting point. - Lord Chesterfield’s Letters deserves a permanent place in any school curriculum. In fact, it should be reintroduced at every stage of academic life: high school, university, and beyond.

With every rereading, it reveals new layers. It is one of those rare books we may continue to revisit into old age, each time with a fresh perspective. Times are changing but humans remain humans, with their natural humans needs for consideration, compassion. being seen and respected.