quotations about praise
Long open panegyric drags at best,
And praise is only praise when well address'd.
JOHN GAY
Epistle I
The praise we seek for our own virtues sometimes tempts us to flatter the imperfections of other men.
NORMAN MACDONALD
Maxims and Moral Reflections
Every man likes his own praise best.
DANISH PROVERB
In doing what we ought we deserve no praise, because it is our duty.
JOSEPH ADDISON
Cato
The love of praise is the beginning of forfeiture.
ARAB PROVERB
PRAISE is the reflection of virtue; but it is as the glass or body, which giveth the reflection. If it be from the common people, it is commonly false and naught; and rather followeth vain persons, than virtuous. For the common people understand not many excellent virtues. The lowest virtues draw praise from them; the middle virtues work in them astonishment or admiration; but of the highest virtues, they have no sense of perceiving at all. But shows, and species virtutibus similes, serve best with them. Certainly fame is like a river, that beareth up things light and swoln, and drowns things weighty and solid. But if persons of quality and judgment concur, then it is (as the Scripture saith) nomen bonum instar unguenti fragrantis. It fireth all round about, and will not easily away. For the odors of ointments are more durable, than those of flowers.
FRANCIS BACON
"Of Praise", Essays, or Counsels Civil and Moral
A puff of wind and popular praise weigh alike.
HUNGARIAN PROVERB