Approve not of him who commends all you say.
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: The essence of the quote lies in the delicate balance between validation and discernment. At its core, it suggests that one should not readily embrace flattery or unreserved praise. Rather, it urges individuals to be cautious of those who commend everything they say or do.
When someone praises everything we say without discretion, it can create a false sense of security and inflate our ego. It might feel good initially, but in the long run, it hinders growth and development. Blind approval can lead to complacency, blinding us to our faults and inhibiting constructive criticism, which is essential for improvement.
Moreover, excessive commendation can undermine the value of genuine praise. If everything we say is met with unwavering approval, the significance of sincere acknowledgment diminishes. It becomes challenging to distinguish between genuine admiration and superficial flattery.
The quote advocates for discernment in both giving and receiving praise. It encourages individuals to seek authenticity and sincerity in their interactions. Instead of merely seeking approval, one should strive for meaningful engagement and constructive feedback. True growth comes from understanding and addressing our weaknesses, which requires honest evaluation rather than empty commendation.
Furthermore, the quote underscores the importance of humility. It reminds us that we are not infallible and that perfection should not be expected or celebrated without scrutiny. Embracing humility allows for openness to feedback and a willingness to learn from others.
On a deeper level, the quote speaks to the complexities of human relationships. It highlights the subtleties of communication and the importance of genuine connection. Meaningful interactions require honesty and authenticity, qualities that can be compromised by indiscriminate commendation.
In summary, "Approve not of him who commends all you say" is a reminder to approach praise with discernment and humility. It encourages individuals to seek genuine connections and meaningful feedback rather than settling for superficial approval. By embracing authenticity and humility, we foster an environment conducive to growth and genuine connection.
Who said the quote?
The quote "Approve not of him who commends all you say." is often attributed to Benjamin Franklin (Bio / Quotes). Benjamin Franklin was an American statesman, writer, and inventor who played a key role in the founding of the United States.
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Is there a historical example that illustrates the message of the quote?
One historical example that vividly illustrates the quote “Approve not of him who commends all you say” is the relationship between Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte and his inner circle of advisors. Napoleon was known for surrounding himself with sycophantic individuals who would constantly flatter him and agree with his every decision. This group included officials like Joseph Fouché, who, despite his genuine intelligence and political acumen, often echoed Napoleon’s opinions to maintain his own position of power and influence.
The problem with this kind of environment was that it created an echo chamber where constructive criticism was scarce. For instance, during Napoleon's ill-fated Russian campaign of 1812, many of his advisors failed to provide honest feedback about the logistical and strategic challenges of the invasion. Instead, they offered only praise and assurances, which contributed to the catastrophic failure of the campaign. The lack of dissenting voices and critical feedback allowed Napoleon to persist in his misguided strategies, leading to disastrous consequences for both his army and his empire.
This historical example underscores the danger of surrounding oneself with individuals who only offer praise and agreement. Without honest critique and diverse perspectives, decision-makers are more likely to make poor choices that can lead to significant failures.
How can the quote be applied in a real-life scenario?
In real-life scenarios, this quote can be applied to various personal and professional situations. For instance, in a workplace setting, consider a manager who only hears positive feedback from their team members. If the manager’s ideas or decisions are never challenged or critically examined, there’s a risk of fostering a superficial environment where real issues go unaddressed. This could lead to inefficiencies, missed opportunities for improvement, and a lack of innovation.
For example, a manager might implement a new policy based on the assumption that it will increase productivity. If their team members always agree with them and never voice any concerns or suggestions for improvement, the manager might not realize that the policy is actually causing dissatisfaction or hindering performance. As a result, the manager misses out on valuable insights that could lead to better decision-making and a more effective strategy.
In personal relationships, this quote can be applied to friendships or partnerships where one person is always agreeing with the other without offering their own opinions or feedback. This can lead to a lack of genuine communication and understanding. Constructive disagreements and differing viewpoints are crucial for growth and deeper connections, as they help individuals to see different perspectives and address potential issues in the relationship.
Ultimately, embracing feedback and criticism, rather than just seeking approval, helps to foster a more honest, effective, and growth-oriented environment, whether in the workplace or personal life.
Applying the quote to your life
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Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
