“The world is a severe schoolmaster, for its frowns are less dangerous than its smiles and flatteries, and it is a difficult task to keep in the path of wisdom.”  – Phillis Wheatley

The world is filled with those who seek gain in position and power’s undue influence through the falsities of flattery.  It’s often difficult to discern the difference of intentional and well meant compliments and the words of a flatterer.