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

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

Of praise a mere glutton, he swallow'd what came,
And the puff a dunce, he mistook it for fame;
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Of praise a mere glutton, he swallow'd what came,
And the puff a dunce, he mistook it for fame;
Till his relish grown callous, almost to displease,
Who pepper'd the highest was surest to please.

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.

Charm is a way of getting the answer yes without asking a clear question.

Charm is a way of getting the answer yes without asking a clear question.

No one has it who isn't capable of genuinely liking others, at least at the actual moment of meeting and read more

No one has it who isn't capable of genuinely liking others, at least at the actual moment of meeting and speaking. Charm is always genuine; it may be superficial but it isn't false.

He had that nameless charm, with a strong magnetism, which can only be called "It.''

He had that nameless charm, with a strong magnetism, which can only be called "It.''

I once had a rose named after me and I was very flattered. But I was not pleased to read read more

I once had a rose named after me and I was very flattered. But I was not pleased to read the description in the catalogue: no good in a bed, but fine up against a wall.

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

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

Nobody can describe a fool to the life, without much patient self-inspection.

Nobody can describe a fool to the life, without much patient self-inspection.