They that love flattery (as it is to be feared too many do) are in a
fair way to repent of their foible in the long run. And yet how few are
there among the whole race of mankind who may be said to be full proof
against its attacks! The gross way by which it is managed by some silly
practitioners, is enough to alarm the dullest apprehension, and make it
to value itself upon the quickness of its insight into the little plots
of this nature: but let the ambuscade be disposed with due judgment, and
it will scarce fail of seizing the most guarded heart. How many are
tickled to the last degree with the pleasure of flattery, even while
they are applauded for their honest detestation of it! There is no way
to baffle the force of this engine but by every one's examining,
impartially for himself, the true estimate of his own qualities: if he
deals sincerely in the matter, nobody can tell so well as himself what
degree of esteem ought to attend any of his actions, and therefore he
should be entirely easy as to the opinion men are like to have of them
in the world. If they attribute more to him than is his due, they are
either designing or mistaken: if they allow him less, they are envious,
or, possibly, still mistaken; and, in either case, are to be despised or
disregarded. For he that flatters, without designing to take advantage
of it, is a fool; and whoever encourages that flattery which he has
sense enough to see through, is a vain coxcomb.