Flattery is a kind of bad money, to which our vanity gives us currency.
—Francois de La Rochefoucauld (1613–80) French Writer
Knavery and flattery are blood relations.
—Abraham Lincoln (1809–65) American Head of State
Flattery is never so agreeable as to our blind side; commend a fool for his wit, or a knave for his honesty, and they will receive you into their bosoms.
—Henry Fielding (1707–54) English Novelist, Dramatist
The art of flatterers is to take advantage of the foibles of the great, to foster their errors, and never to give advice which may annoy.
—Moliere (1622–73) French Playwright
Some there are who profess to despise all flattery, but even these are, nevertheless, to be flattered, by being told that they do despise it.
—Charles Caleb Colton (c.1780–1832) English Clergyman, Aphorist
But it is hard to know them from friends, they are so obsequious and full of protestations; for a wolf resembles a dog, so doth a flatterer a friend.
—Walter Raleigh (1552–1618) English Courtier, Navigator, Poet
We sometimes imagine we hate flattery, but we only hate the way we are flattered.
—Francois de La Rochefoucauld (1613–80) French Writer
There is no flattery so adroit or effectual as that of implicit assent.
—William Hazlitt (1778–1830) English Essayist
The most skilful flattery is to let a person talk on, and be a listener.
—Joseph Addison (1672–1719) English Essayist, Poet, Playwright, Politician
He that is much flattered soon learns to flatter himself.—We are commonly taught our duty by fear or shame, but how can they act upon a man who hears nothing but his own praises?
—Samuel Johnson (1709–84) British Essayist
Flatter not thyself in thy faith in God, if thou hast not charity for thy neighbor; I think not thou hast charity for thy neighbor, if thou wantest faith in God.—Where they are not both together, they are both wanting; they are both dead if once divided.
—Francis Quarles (1592–1644) English Religious Poet
Flatterers are the worst kind of traitors for they will strengthen thy imperfections, encourage thee in all evils, correct thee in nothing, but so shadow and paint all thy vices and follies as thou shalt never, by their will, discern good from evil, or vice from virtue.
—Walter Raleigh (1552–1618) English Courtier, Navigator, Poet
Imitation is the sincerest of flattery.
—Charles Caleb Colton (c.1780–1832) English Clergyman, Aphorist
He that flatters you more than you desire either has deceived you or wishes to deceive.
—Italian Proverb
Flattery is a form of hatred.
—The Holy Bible Scripture in the Christian Faith
We love flattery, even when we see through it, and are not deceived by it, for it shows that we are of importance enough to be courted.
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–82) American Philosopher
Flattery is all right so long as you don’t inhale.
—Adlai Stevenson (1900–65) American Diplomat, Politician, Orator
It is easier and handier for men to flatter than to praise.
—Jean Paul (1763–1825) German Novelist, Humorist
Flatterers are the worst kind of enemies.
—Tacitus (56–117) Roman Orator, Historian
Self-love is the greatest of all flatterers.
—Francois de La Rochefoucauld (1613–80) French Writer
Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I will not forget you. Love me and I may be forced to love you.
—William Arthur Ward (1921–94) American Author
Baloney is flattery laid on so thick it cannot be true, and blarney is flattery so thin we love it.
—Fulton J. Sheen (1895–1979) American Catholic Religious Leader, Theologian
My opinion, my conviction, gains immensely in strength and sureness the minute a second mind as adopted it.
—Malcolm Muggeridge (1903–90) English Journalist, Author, Media Personality, Satirist
You play the spaniel, and think with wagging of your tongue to win me.
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616) British Playwright
When the flatterer pipes, then the devil dances.
—Thomas Fuller (1608–61) English Cleric, Historian
There is an oblique way of reproof, which takes off the sharpness of it, and an address in flattery, which makes it agreeable, though never so gross; but of all flatterers, the most skilful is he who can do what you like, without saying anything which argues he does it for your sake.
—Alexander Pope (1688–1744) English Poet
Flattery was formerly a vice; it has now become the fashion.
—Publilius Syrus (fl.85–43 BCE) Syrian-born Roman Latin Writer
Allow no man to be so free with you as to praise you to your face.—Your vanity, by this means, will want its food, but at the same time your passion for esteem will be more fully gratified; men will praise you in their actions; where you now receive one compliment, you will then receive twenty civilities.
—Richard Steele (1672–1729) Irish Writer, Politician
The only benefit of flattery is that by hearing what we are not, we may be instructed what we ought to be.
—Jonathan Swift (1667–1745) Irish Satirist
Flattery is often a traffic of mutual meanness, where, although both parties intend deception, neither are deceived.
—Charles Caleb Colton (c.1780–1832) English Clergyman, Aphorist
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