Imitation is the sincerest flattery.
If we never flattered ourselves we should have but scant pleasure.
The aim of flattery is to soothe and encourage us by assuring us of the truth of an opinion we have already formed about ourselves.
I like rudeness a great deal better than flattery.
In Hollywood, imitation is the most profitable form of flattery. That is the only plausible explanation.
Flattery is a base coin which is current only through our vanity.
Heart-stopping envy is the sincerest form of flattery.
Alas! the praise given to the ear Ne'er was nor ne'er can be sincere.
You can stroke people with words.
For praise too dearly lov'd, or warmly sought, Enfeebles all internal strength of thought; And the weak soul within itself unblest, Leans for all pleasure on another's breast.
Dogs live with man as courtiers 'round a monarch, steeped in the flattery of his notice. . . to push their favor in this world of pickings and caresses is, perhaps, the business of their lives.
Flattery won't hurt you if you don't swallow it.
Flattery is a foolish suicide; she destroys herself with her own hands.
Though flattery blossoms like friendship, yet there is a vast difference in the fruit.
Flattery works like a drug.
Flatter me, but delicately, please, for I am fastidious.
When the world frowns, we can face it; but let it smile, and we are undone.
Nothing is harder to resist than a bit of flattery.
Ausonius must be read to be believed! As poet, no subject is too trivial for him; as courtier, no flattery too excessive.
People flatter us because they can depend upon our credulity.