Compliment Quote by William Makepeace Thackeray
““Praise everybody, I say… Never be squeamish, but speak out your compliment both point-blank in a man’s face, and behind his back, when you know there is a reasonable chance of his hearing it again. Never lose a chance of saying a kind word. As Collingwood never saw a vacant place in his estate but he took an acorn out of his pocket and popped it in; so deal with your compliments through life. An acorn costs nothing; but it may sprout into a prodigious bit of timber.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Vanity Fair, 1848
Consistently offering sincere compliments, even in small gestures, can foster goodwill and lasting positive impact.
In simple terms: Give honest praise often.
Key Takeaway
Speak kind words freely.
Themes
kindness
communication
relationships
Mood
warm
encouraging
Type
advice
motivational
When to use this quote
- team meetings
- customer service
- personal relationships
- leadership
- mentoring
Key Concepts
social psychology
reciprocity
positive reinforcement
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you ensure compliments feel authentic?
- When is it appropriate to give public praise?
A Different Perspective
Compliments may be ignored or misinterpreted if not genuine.
