Never promise more than you can perform.
Publilius SyrusRead
Admonish your friends privately, but praise them openly.
Interpretation
What this quote means
It's better to give criticism in private and show appreciation publicly.
This quote emphasizes the importance of handling feedback in a relationship. When offering constructive criticism, it should be done privately to avoid embarrassment, while public praise strengthens bonds and encourages good behavior among friends. This balance promotes honesty and support in friendships.
Themes
FriendshipPraiseCriticismSupportHonesty
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech at a friend's celebration, I would emphasize their strengths rather than vulnerabilities.
More from Publilius Syrus
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The miser is as much in want of what he has as of what he has not.
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He who lives only for himself is truly dead to others.
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