Deceit Quote by Samuel Johnson
“But, perhaps, the flatterer is not often detected; for an honest mind is not apt to suspect, and no one exerts the power of discernment with much vigour when selflove favors the deceit.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Moral reflections in "The Rambler", 1750
Flattery often escapes detection because honest minds lack suspicion, especially when self‑love blinds discernment.
In simple terms: Self‑love hides deceit from honest people.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate critical awareness of flattery.
Themes
flattery
honesty
self‑love
discernment
Mood
cautious
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- political rhetoric
- media analysis
Key Concepts
psychology of ego
social perception
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you recognize sincere praise?
- When does self‑love hinder judgment?
A Different Perspective
Flattery can be subtle and socially reinforced.
![“Where there are kashays (anger-pride-deceit-greed), there is worldly life. As long as anger-pride-deceit-greed exist; one is a sansaari [living a worldly life] regardless of whether one is an ascetic or a family man. And where anger-pride-deceit-greed are absent, one is regarded as being asansaari…” quote by Dada Bhagwan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7ec/dada-bhagwan-31_anger_where-there-are-kashays-anger-pride-dece_5756.jpg)
