A Quote by Henry Ward Beecher

Flattery is praise insincerely given for an interested purpose.

Henry Ward Beecher

Quote Topics

Flattery Given Interested Praise Purpose

Quote Author

Henry Ward Beecher
American - Priest
June 24, 1813 - March 8, 1887

We are not fond of praising, and never praise any one except from interested motives. Praise is a clever, concealed, and delicate flattery, which gratifies in different ways the giver and the receiver. The one takes it as a recompense of his merit, and the other bestows it to display his equity and discernment.

Francois de La Rochefoucauld

Young children are unlikely to have their self-esteem strengthened from excessive praise or flattery. On the contrary, it may raise some doubts in children; many children can see through flattery and may even dismiss an adult who heaps on praise as a poor source of support-one who is not very believable.

Lilian Katz

We must define flattery and praise; they are distinct. Trajan was encouraged to virtue by the panegyric Pliny; Tiberius became obstinate in vice from the flattery of his senators.

Louis XVI of France

Flattery is praise without foundation.

Eliza Leslie

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

Samuel Johnson

Flee flattery, false praise and fair weather friends

Fraser Young

Praise is declaration, a victory cry, proclaiming faith to stand firm in the place God has given you. Praise is a proclamation that the enemy's intent to plunder you will not rock you. Praise declares that you will not be moved by the enemy's attempt to snatch you away.

Darlene Zschech

Sweet is the breath of praise when given by those whose own high merit claims the praise they give.

Hannah More

Excellent flatterers welcome attentive audiences; mighty potentates enjoy public praise. In the most pleasing situation, a flatterer would genuinely admire the flatteree, please that person, please other present company, be pleased to stagger rivals, and get something out of it: applause, promotion, a favor, reciprocal praise. Flattery is as social as a banquet.

Willis Regier

Sheer flattery got me into the theater. Flattery always works with me, particularly the flattery of women.

Carroll O'Connor

There can hardly, I believe, be imagined a more desirable pleasure than that of praise unmixed with any possibility of flattery.

Richard Steele

Praise to our Father-God, High praise in solemn lay, Alike for what His hand hath given, And what it takes away.

Lydia Sigourney

I am not one of those who left the land to the mercy of its enemies. Their flattery leaves me cold, my songs are not for them to praise.

Anna Akhmatova

The desire which urges us to deserve praise strengthens our good qualities, and praise given to wit, valour, and beauty, tends to increase them.

Francois de La Rochefoucauld

Women are hard and proud and stubborn-hearted, Their heads being turned with praise and flattery; And that is why their lovers are afraid To tell them a plain story.