Quote by Jonathan Swift

Nothing is so great an example of bad manners as flattery. If you flatter all the company, you please none; If you flatter only one or two, you offend the rest.

Nothing is so great an example of bad manners as flattery. I

Summary

This quote highlights the negative consequences of flattery and emphasizes its association with bad manners. It suggests that excessive flattery not only fails to please everyone, but also has the potential to alienate others. By attempting to please everyone through flattery, one ultimately ends up pleasing no one, as it can come across as insincere or manipulative. Similarly, singling out a few individuals for flattery can create feelings of exclusion or resentment among the rest. In essence, the quote emphasizes the importance of genuine and sincere interactions over superficial compliments.

Topics

Manners

By Jonathan Swift

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