August 28

On Flattery

I notice that if I am at all pleased with the praise of a friend, I become in that degree open to be grieved by the censure of a foe. GS123

I wonder how old a man would be when he would be too old to love flattery. GS166

To live upon the praises of others is to feed on the air; for what is praise but the breath of men’s nostrils? PP25

The moment a man praises you to your face, mark him, for he is the very gentleman to rail at you behind your back. If a fellow takes the trouble to flatter he expects to be paid for it, and he calculates that he will get his wages out of the soft brains of those he tickles. When people stoop down it generally is to pick something up, and men don’t stoop to flatter you unless they reckon upon getting something out of you. PP104

Soft, smooth, oily words are most plentiful where truth and sincerity are most scarce. TD55:21

“I dare say that if any cautious flatterer will assure me that I am a very wise person, I shall before long come to the conclusion that he is a remarkably sensible and far-seeing individual. If anyone should accuse you of a virtue which you never possessed, if he would but persevere long enough with his pleasing insinuation, you will begin to smile inwardly, and hint to your conscience that there are latent excellencies about you which this man with prophetic glance has discovered.” (1658.256)

“Beloved, I fear that preachers often think too well of their congregations, and talk to them as if they were all perfect, or nearly so. I cannot thus flatter you.” (2042.503)

“If a man can stand commendation, he can stand anything.” (3167.508)