Flattery is a kind of bad money, to which our vanity gives us currency

Flattery is a kind of bad money, to which our vanity gives us currency

Francois de La Rochefoucauld, a French author and moralist, once famously said, “Flattery is a kind of bad money, to which our vanity gives us currency.” This quote speaks to the idea that flattery, or insincere praise, is often used to manipulate or deceive others by appealing to their vanity. In other words, flattery is like counterfeit currency that only holds value because of our own ego and desire for validation.

Flattery is a common tactic used by people to gain favor, influence, or advantage over others. It plays on our insecurities and need for approval, making us more susceptible to manipulation. When someone flatters us, it strokes our ego and makes us feel good about ourselves. We are more likely to trust and like someone who compliments us, even if their intentions are not genuine.

However, flattery is ultimately hollow and insincere. It is a form of dishonesty that preys on our vanity and self-importance. When we accept flattery at face value, we are essentially allowing ourselves to be deceived by false praise. We are giving value to something that is not real, like counterfeit money that has no worth beyond the paper it is printed on.