Listening, not imitation, may be the sincerest form of flattery.
We should keep silent about those in power; to speak well of them almost implies flattery; to speak ill of them while they are alive is dangerous, and when they are dead is cowardly.
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
Nothing in this world is harder than speaking the truth, nothing easier than flattery.
Many owe their greatness to their enemies. Flattery is fiercer than hatred, for hatred corrects the faults flattery had disguised.
We find it easy to believe that praise is sincere: why should anyone lie in telling us the truth?
What really flatters a man is that you think him worth flattering.
Won't you come into the garden? I would like my roses to see you.
I suppose flattery hurts no one - that is, if he doesn't inhale.
'Tis an old maxim in the schools,
That Vanity's the food of fools;
Yet now and then your men of wit
Will condescend to taste a bit.
I have been complimented myself a great many times, and they always embarrass me - I always feel that they have not said enough.