Erasmus Quote by Hilary Mantel
““Erasmus says that you should praise a ruler even for qualities he does not have. For the flattery gives him to think. And the qualities he presently lacks, he might go to work on them.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Wolf Hall, Hilary Mantel, 2009
Flattery can be used to encourage rulers to develop missing virtues.
In simple terms: Praise can motivate improvement.
Key Takeaway
Use praise to inspire growth.
Themes
politics
leadership
psychology
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
advice
political
When to use this quote
- court court
- team meetings
- parent‑child discussions
- coaching sessions
Key Concepts
flattery
self-improvement
motivation
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you give honest praise that still encourages change?
- When does flattery become manipulation?
A Different Perspective
If praise is insincere, it may breed distrust.
![“It was expected, however, that [Erasmus] should make some reply and give some definition. But instead, by availing himself of a rhetorical transition, he drags us who knew nothing of rhetoric away with him, as if the matter at issue here were of no moment, but simply a lot of quibbling, and dashes…” quote by Martin Luther](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/054/martin-luther-106_erasmus_it-was-expected-however-that-erasmus-sho_455257.jpg)
![“I understood that you would take the Human Race in the concrete, have exploded the absurd notion of Pope's Essay on Man, [Erasmus] Darwin, and all the countless Believers-even (strange to say) among Xtians-of Man's having progressed from an Ouran Outang state-so contrary to all History, to all…” quote by Samuel Taylor Coleridge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5d9/samuel-taylor-coleridge-425_absurd_i-understood-that-you-would-take-the-hum_1607354.jpg)
