Abuse Quote by William Shakespeare
“They do not abuse the king that flatter him. For flattery is the bellows blows up sin; The thing the which is flattered, but a spark To which that blast gives heat and stronger glowing;”
About This Quote
Source Play: Henry VI, Part 2, Act 2, Scene 2
Flattery fuels the king's vices, inflaming his pride and leading to greater wrongdoing.
In simple terms: Flattery makes a king worse.
Key Takeaway
Beware and avoid flattering those in power.
Themes
power
pride
corruption
influence
Mood
cautious
critical
Type
advisory
philosophical
When to use this quote
- court politics
- leadership
- personal relationships
- organizational culture
Key Concepts
flattery
ego
sin
heat
Questions to Reflect On
- How does flattery affect decision making?
- When is it ethical to use flattery?
A Different Perspective
Flattery can also be a survival tactic in hostile environments.
