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About this quote

What does it mean?
Flattery is worse than hatred because it hides your faults while hatred exposes them effectively.
In plain terms
Praise that hides faults is worse than criticism.
What can you take from it?
Prefer honest criticism over flattering praise.

Where it applies

  • management
  • friendship
  • self improvement

Putting it to work

  • seek feedback
  • value truth
  • ignore praise

Questions to consider

  • Do you prefer praise or criticism?
  • Why do you hide faults?

Another view

Sometimes praise is simply kind and not malicious.

More from Baltasar Gracian

  1. Harto presto, si bien.

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  2. Todos los que hazen del hazendado en el empleo dan indicio de que no lo merecian.

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  3. La presteza es madre de la dicha.

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