They do not abuse the king that flatter him. For flattery…
“They do not abuse the king that flatter him. For flattery is the bellows blows up sin; The thing the which is flattered, but a spark To which that blast gives heat and stronger glowing;”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Flattery fuels the king's vices, inflaming his pride and leading to greater wrongdoing.
In simple terms: Flattery makes a king worse.
Key Takeaway
Beware and avoid flattering those in power.
Themes
power
pride
corruption
influence
Mood
cautious
critical
Type
advisory
philosophical
When to use this quote
- court politics
- leadership
- personal relationships
- organizational culture
Key Concepts
flattery
ego
sin
heat
Questions to Reflect On
- How does flattery affect decision making?
- When is it ethical to use flattery?
A Different Perspective
Flattery can also be a survival tactic in hostile environments.