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About this quote

What does it mean?
Disraeli admits he uses flattery intentionally, especially when dealing with royalty.
In plain terms
Flattery is useful, so apply it generously to important people.
What can you take from it?
Adapt your behavior to suit your audience for maximum effect.

Where it applies

  • negotiations
  • social climbing
  • leadership

Putting it to work

  • use praise strategically
  • read social cues

Questions to consider

  • Is flattery ever honest?
  • How do you handle power dynamics?

Another view

Reliance on flattery can undermine authenticity.

More from Benjamin Disraeli

  1. Without publicity there can be no public support, and without public support every nation must decay.

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  2. You will find as you grow older that courage is the rarest of all qualities to be found in public life.

    Permalink to quote #243
  3. William Gladstone has not a single redeeming defect.

    Permalink to quote #240

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