How closely flattery resembles friendship! It not only apes friendship, but outdoes it, passing it in the race; with wide-open and indulgent ears it is welcomed and sinks to the depths of the heart, and it is pleasing precisely wherein it does harm.

Seneca
About This Quote

When someone is trying to ingratiate themselves with you, they are trying to impress you with their charm and wit. The trick is to see past the flattery, because underneath all of the compliments lies a hidden criticism. If the person is really trying to please you, they will not be so harsh on your ideas or actions, but rather gently try to encourage them.

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  3. If I had a flower for every time I thought of you... I could walk through my garden forever. - Alfred Tennyson
  4. You are my best friend as well as my lover, and I do not know which side of you I enjoy the most. I treasure each side, just as I have treasured our life together. - Nicholas Sparks
  5. Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing there is a field. I'll meet you there. When the soul lies down in that grassthe world is too full to talk about. - Jalaluddin Rumi
More Quotes By Seneca
  1. Life is like a play: it's not the length, but the excellence of the acting that matters.
  2. Timendi causa est nescire - Ignorance is the cause of fear.
  3. Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.
  4. Difficulties strengthen the mind, as labor does the body.
  5. As is a tale, so is life: not how long it is, but how good it is, is what matters.
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