There is...a spiritual hunger in the world today and it cannot be satisfied...by better cars on longer credit terms.
Adlai E. StevensonRead
Flattery is all right so long as you don't inhale.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Flattery can be enjoyable but should be taken lightly.
This quote humorously suggests that while it is nice to receive compliments and flattery, one should not take them too seriously or become overly influenced by them. The metaphor of 'not inhaling' implies that flattery can be intoxicating, and consuming too much can lead to a distorted perception of reality.
Themes
FlatteryHumorComplimentsPerceptionReality
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about self-awareness, one might say, 'Remember, flattery is all right so long as you don't inhale.'
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I have been thinking that I would make a proposition to my Republican friends... that if they will stop telling lies about the Democrats, we will stop telling the truth about them.
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