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About this quote

What does it mean?
The same skill used to praise someone can be used to harm them.
In plain terms
People who can flatter others are also capable of slandering them.
What can you take from it?
Be wary of those who flatter easily as they may speak ill behind your back.

Where it applies

  • office politics
  • personal relationships
  • public figures

Putting it to work

  • watch for insincere praise
  • verify claims made about others

Questions to consider

  • How do you spot insincere flattery?
  • Who benefits from your trust?

Another view

Not all who flatter are malicious; some do it to be polite.

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  3. He who fights against his country, is a child who would kill his own mother.

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