Just praise is only a debt, but flattery is a present.

Just praise is only a debt, but flattery is a present.

Republics are created by the virtue, public spirit, and intelligence of the citizens. They fall, when the wise are banished read more

Republics are created by the virtue, public spirit, and intelligence of the citizens. They fall, when the wise are banished from the public councils, because they dare to be honest, and the profligate are rewarded, because they flatter the people in order to betray them.

It is easy to flatter; it is harder to praise.

It is easy to flatter; it is harder to praise.

If he be so resolved,
I can o'ersway him; for he loves to hear
That unicorns may read more

If he be so resolved,
I can o'ersway him; for he loves to hear
That unicorns may be betrayed with trees
And bears with glasses, elephants with holes,
Lions with toils, and men with flatterers,
He says he does, being then most flattered.

Flattery is all right so long as you don't inhale.

Flattery is all right so long as you don't inhale.

Gallantry of mind consists in saying flattering things in an
agreeable manner.

Gallantry of mind consists in saying flattering things in an
agreeable manner.

What really flatters a man is that you think him worth flattering.

What really flatters a man is that you think him worth flattering.

The best way to convince a fool that he is wrong is to let him have his own way.

The best way to convince a fool that he is wrong is to let him have his own way.

What really flatters a man is that you think him worth
flattering.

What really flatters a man is that you think him worth
flattering.