All flatterers are mercenary, and all low-minded men are flatterers.
A flatterer is the shadow of a fool.
Flatterers are the worst kind of enemies. [Lat., Pessimum genus inimicorum laudantes.]
Flattery is a counterfeit money which, but for vanity, would have no circulation.
None can be pleased without praise, and few can be praised without falsehood.
Now flattery can never do good; twice cursed in the giving and the receiving, it ought to be.
False glory is the rock of vanity; it seduces men to affect esteem by things which they indeed possess, but which are frivolous, and which for a man to value himself on would be a scandalous error.
I am surrounded by flatterers and fools.
He that applauds him who does not deserve praise, is endeavoring to deceive the public; he that hisses in malice or sport, is an oppressor and a robber.
The reason that adulation is not displeasing is that, though untrue, it shows one to be of consequence enough, in one way or other, to induce people to lie.
