We make ourselves fools to disport ourselves And spend our…
“We make ourselves fools to disport ourselves And spend our flatteries to drink those men Upon whose age we void it up again With poisonous spite and envy.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
People foolishly flatter others for personal gain, leading to envy and spite.
In simple terms: Flattery breeds foolishness.
Key Takeaway
Beware insincere praise.
Themes
pride
flattery
foolishness
envy
politics
Mood
cautionary
dramatic
Type
literary
psychological
When to use this quote
- Court politics
- workplace dynamics
- social media interactions
- personal relationships
- leadership training
Key Concepts
Renaissance drama
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- When is flattery appropriate?
- How to recognize genuine praise?
A Different Perspective
Flattery can also be a useful diplomatic tool.