The mischief of flattery is, not that it persuades any man that he is …

Samuel Johnson
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The mischief of flattery is, not that it persuades any man that he is what he is not, but that it suppresses the influence of honest ambition, by raising an opinion that honour may be gained without the toil of merit. ✨ Samuel Johnson (1810). The Works of Samuel Johnson, LL.D.: With An Essay on His Life and Genius, p.91
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