Of all wild beasts preserve me from a tyrant; and of all tame, a flatterer.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Jonson warns against tyrants and flatterers as the worst types of people.
- In plain terms
- Avoid rulers who abuse power and people who lie to please you.
- What can you take from it?
- Be wary of those who abuse power or flatter you.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you spot a flatterer?
- Who holds power over you?
Another view
Sometimes flattery is harmless social lubricant.
More from Ben Jonson
That old bald cheater, Time.
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