Chicken Quote by Bill Jay
“At exhibition openings always praise the chicken for laying eggs; you can wring its neck later.”
About This Quote
Criticize the work superficially, then exploit it later when it’s vulnerable.
In simple terms: Praise first, then harm later.
Key Takeaway
Beware of insincere praise that masks future exploitation.
Themes
ethics
manipulation
art criticism
Mood
cautious
critical
Type
ethical
observational
When to use this quote
- reviewing art
- business negotiations
- political commentary
Key Concepts
strategic flattery
exploitation
power dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- When have you seen praise used as a weapon?
- How can you spot hidden motives?
A Different Perspective
Such tactics erode trust and can damage reputations.
![“Some years ago I was working on some forms which were vase forms with a fairly narrow base, and it was after [Hans] Coper had died that I saw an exhibition of his, a catalogue from an exhibition, and he was showing some forms which were made by cutting and joining a lot of different parts together…” quote by Warren MacKenzie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/16b/warren-mackenzie-4654_bits_some-years-ago-i-was-working-on-some-for_61245.jpg)
![“...photographers who carry 60 pounds of equipment up a hill to photograph a view are not suffering enough, although their whining causes enough suffering among their listeners. No, if they really expect us to respect their search for enlightenment and artistic expression, in [the] future they will…” quote by Bill Jay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/cc9/bill-jay-14930_artistic_photographers-who-carry-60-pounds-of-equ_819669.jpg)
