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About this quote

What does it mean?
If you praise everyone, no one value your praise as meaningful.
In plain terms
Praising too much means no one stands out.
What can you take from it?
Reserve praise for what truly deserves it.

Where it applies

  • feedback
  • management
  • social interactions

Putting it to work

  • be specific with praise
  • avoid flattery

Questions to consider

  • When did you praise someone meaningfully?
  • Does praise lose value if overused?

Another view

Some encouragement is useful even if not specific.

More from Samuel Johnson

  1. Here closed in death th' attentive eyes That saw the manners in the face.

    Permalink to quote #20
  2. Books that you may carry to the fire, and hold readily in your hand, are the most useful after all.

    Permalink to quote #22
  3. This world, where much is to be done and little to be known.

    Permalink to quote #19

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