--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Abhor flatterers as you would deceivers…" description: "\"Abhor flatterers as you would deceivers; for both, if trusted, injure those who trust them. If you admit as friends men who seek your favor for the low..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c28/isocrates-20066_corrections_abhor-flatterers-as-you-would-deceivers_2534438.jpg" --- # Abhor flatterers as you would deceivers; for both, if… ![“Abhor flatterers as you would deceivers; for both, if trusted, injure those who trust them. If you admit as friends men who seek your favor for the lowest ends, your life will be lacking in friends who will risk your displeasure for the highest good.” quote by Isocrates](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c28/isocrates-20066_corrections_abhor-flatterers-as-you-would-deceivers_2534438.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c28/isocrates-20066_corrections_abhor-flatterers-as-you-would-deceivers_2534438.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c28/isocrates-20066_corrections_abhor-flatterers-as-you-would-deceivers_2534438.jpg) > “Abhor flatterers as you would deceivers; for both, if trusted, injure those who trust them. If you admit as friends men who seek your favor for the lowest ends, your life will be lacking in friends who will risk your displeasure for the highest good.” [Isocrates](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/isocrates/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Beware of flatterers and deceivers; they harm trust and genuine friendships. **In simple terms:** Flatterers damage trust. Key Takeaway Avoid sycophants to preserve true friendships. Themes ethics trust friendship integrity leadership Mood cautious reflective Type philosophical ethical When to use this quote - polit workplace - political circles - personal relationships Key Concepts social dynamics character assessment moral philosophy Questions to Reflect On - How can you recognize sincere praise versus manipulation? - What strategies protect relationships from deceitful influences? A Different Perspective Some may argue flattering can be socially useful. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Corrections](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/corrections/) [Deceiver](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/deceiver/) [Displeasure](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/displeasure/) [Flatterer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/flatterer/) [Friendship](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/friendship/) [Men](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/men/) [Risk](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/risk/) ## Related quotes > [If you live with death threats, you need friends. So you have to risk that they might spy on you.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/herta-m-ller/if-you-live-with-death-threats-you-need-friends-so-you-have-to-risk/) [Herta Muller](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/herta-m-ller/) > [Seek not the favor of the multitude; it is seldom got by honest and lawful means. 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