Benjamin Franklin Quotes

We sometimes imagine we hate flattery, but we only hate the way we are flattered.

Men sometimes think they hate flattery, but they hate only the manner of flattering.

No adulation; 'tis the death of virtue; Who flatters, is of all mankind the lowest Save he who courts the flattery.

Flattery makes fools of the best of us.

None are more taken in by flattery than the proud, who wish to be the first and are not.

He who says he hates every kind of flattery, and says it in earnest, certainly does not yet know every kind of flattery.

All flatterers live at the expense of those who listen to them.

What drink'st thou oft, instead of homage sweet, But poisoned flattery?

Learn that every flatterer Lives at the flattered listeners cost.

There is nothing which so poisons princes as flattery, nor anything whereby wicked men more easily obtain credit and favor with them.

Flattery is a juggler, and no kin unto sincerity.

Pope had been flattered till he thought himself one of the moving powers of the system of life. When he talked of laying down his pen, those who sat round him intreated and implored; and self-love did not suffer him to suspect that they went away and laughed.

In Leon's account of his life, no-one was mean-spirited, no-one schemed or lied or betrayed; everyone was celebrated at least in some degree... Leon turned out to be a spineless, grinning idiot.

He who says he hates all kinds of flattery, and says so in earnest, has undoubtedly not as yet become acquainted with all kinds of it, whether in substance or in form.

But, perhaps, the flatterer is not often detected; for an honest mind is not apt to suspect, and no one exerts the power of discernment with much vigour when selflove favors the deceit.

Our credulity is greatest concerning the things we know least about. And since we know least about ourselves, we are ready to believe all that is said about us. Hence the mysterious power of both flattery and calumny.

It is better to fall among crows than flatterers; for those devour only the dead - these the living.

A flatterers throat is an open Sepulcher.

One who deceives will always find those who allow themselves to be deceived.

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

Commend a fool for his wit, or a rogue for his honesty and he will receive you into his favor.

Flattery is like cologne water, to be smelt, not swallowed.

You know when someone's over-flattering you in a way. You smile but you can't believe it.

Knavery and flattery are blood relations.

You want me to tell me the truth or do you want me to stroke you?