B. F. Skinner Quotes

Flattery is counterfeit, and like counterfeit money, it will eventually get you into trouble if you pass it to someone else.

He who cannot love must learn to flatter.

As a child, I saw how the industry's sweet-talkers operate. For years, they tried to make my father feel like he was the best actor in the whole world. My father never took them seriously. I, too, imbibed that trait from him.

A politician normally flatters you in your face and criticises you behind your back.

Flattery is no more than what raises in a man's mind an idea of a preference which he has not.

The same man cannot be both Friend and Flatterer.

Now flattery can never do good; twice cursed in the giving and the receiving, it ought to be.

Learn that every flatterer Lives at the flattered listeners cost.

To be flattered is grateful, even when we know that our praises are not believed by those who pronounce them; for they prove, at least, our power, and show that our favour is valued, since it is purchased by the meanness of falsehood.

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

All flatterers are mercenary, and all low-minded men are flatterers.

Compliments are only lies in court clothes.

Sometimes we think we dislike flattery, but it is only the way it is done that we dislike.

Flattery is praise insincerely given for an interested purpose.

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.

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

A man who flatters a woman hopes either to find her a fool or to make her one.

Flattery is a counterfeit money which, but for vanity, would have no circulation.

The flatterer easily insinuates himself into the closet, while honest merit stands shivering in the hall or antechamber.

Avoid flatterers, for they are thieves in disguise.

Flattery won't hurt you if you don't swallow it.

People who wish to numb our caution in dealing with them by means of flattery are employing a dangerous expedient, like a sleeping draught, which, if it does not put us to sleep, keeps us all the more awake.

Flattery labors under the odious charge of servility.