Done Quote by Francois de La Rochefoucauld
![“We sometimes think that we hate flattery, but we only hate the manner in which it is done. [Fr., On croit quelquefoir hair la flatterie; maid on ne hait que a maniere de flatter.]” quote by Francois de La Rochefoucauld](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f92/francois-de-la-rochefoucauld-1_done_we-sometimes-think-that-we-hate-flattery_815207.jpg)
“We sometimes think that we hate flattery, but we only hate the manner in which it is done. [Fr., On croit quelquefoir hair la flatterie; maid on ne hait que a maniere de flatter.]”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Maximes, 1665
We dislike flattery not for its content but for the way it is presented, often insincere or manipulative.
In simple terms: We hate the style of flattery, not the praise itself.
Key Takeaway
Be sincere and modest when giving compliments.
Themes
humility
communication
ego
social dynamics
Mood
reflective
cautious
Type
observational
advice
When to use this quote
- workplace feedback
- political speeches
- personal relationships
- customer service
- media interviews
Key Concepts
flattery
insincerity
perception
Questions to Reflect On
- How does delivery affect the reception of praise?
- When can sincere flattery be beneficial?
A Different Perspective
If flattery is genuine, it can be welcomed, so the rule isn’t absolute.
![“I've used the Phoenix Centrifuge to replicate what the body's going to go through on the flight up. I've also done some gravity tests with ZERO-G [a charter-flight service in Arlington, Va., that uses modified Boeing 727s to simulate weightlessness], which went great.” quote by Richard Branson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/aa1/richard-branson-256_adventure_i-ve-used-the-phoenix-centrifuge-to-repl_903.jpg)
