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Everyone likes flattery; and when you come to Royalty you should lay it on with a trowel.
Benjamin Disraeli
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Flattery is often expected, especially among those in power, and should be given generously.

This quote by Benjamin Disraeli humorously underscores the idea that those in positions of authority, such as royalty, often appreciate and even expect excessive praise. It suggests that to navigate such relationships successfully, one should be prepared to indulge in such flattery, metaphorically using a 'trowel' to emphasize the need for generous application.

Themes

FlatteryRoyaltyPraiseHumorAuthority

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech about leadership, one might quote Disraeli to illustrate how leaders often thrive on flattery.

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Quote by Benjamin Disraeli | QuoteProject