We seldom praise anyone in good earnest, except such as admire us

We seldom praise anyone in good earnest, except such as admire us

Francois de La Rochefoucauld, a French author and moralist, once said, "We seldom praise anyone in good earnest, except such as admire us." This quote speaks to the human tendency to offer praise to those who hold us in high regard, rather than genuinely recognizing and appreciating the qualities and accomplishments of others.

In today's society, this concept is all too prevalent. People often seek validation and approval from others, and as a result, they may only offer praise to those who they believe will reciprocate the sentiment. This can lead to insincere compliments and flattery, rather than genuine admiration and recognition of someone's talents or achievements.

When we only praise those who admire us, we are missing out on the opportunity to uplift and support others for their own sake. True praise should be given freely and sincerely, without expecting anything in return. It should be a reflection of our genuine appreciation for someone's efforts, skills, or character, rather than a means of seeking validation or approval in return.

Furthermore, when we only praise those who admire us, we are perpetuating a cycle of self-centeredness and egoism. By prioritizing our own need for validation over recognizing the accomplishments and qualities of others, we are reinforcing a mindset that values personal gain over genuine connection and appreciation.

To break free from this cycle, we must learn to offer praise and recognition to others without expecting anything in return. We should strive to celebrate the successes and strengths of those around us, regardless of whether they admire us or not. By doing so, we can cultivate a culture of genuine appreciation and support, where praise is given freely and sincerely, and where the accomplishments of others are valued for their own merit.