Admire Quote by Francois de La Rochefoucauld
“We seldom praise anyone in good earnest, except such as admire us.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Maximes, 1665
People rarely give sincere praise unless they see themselves reflected in the subject.
In simple terms: Praise often stems from self‑interest.
Key Takeaway
Be aware of hidden motives in compliments.
Themes
self‑interest
praise
reflection
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- workplace feedback
- personal relationships
- public recognition
Key Concepts
ego
social validation
authenticity
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you give praise for its own sake?
- How can you recognize authentic appreciation?
A Different Perspective
Praise may be genuine, but motives can be mixed.
![“[T]hey feel no shame that they themselves are evil amid the things they praise as good. They are more pained if their villa is poor than if their life is bad, as though man's greatest good were to have everything good except himself” quote by Augustine of Hippo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/83b/augustine-of-hippo-2589_evil_t-hey-feel-no-shame-that-they-themselves_2585216.jpg)
