Between flattery and admiration there often flows a river of contempt.

Summary

This quote suggests that there is a fine line between flattery and admiration, and often there is a subtle shift in feelings from one to the other. It implies that excessive flattery can breed contempt, as it may be seen as insincere or manipulative. True admiration, on the other hand, is built on genuine respect and appreciation, without ulterior motives. Thus, the quote warns about the potential negative consequences of excessive flattery, suggesting that it can erode the feelings of goodwill and lead to contempt towards the one giving praise.

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