We bestow on others praise in which we do not believe, on condition that in return they bestow upon us praise in which we do.
Jean Rostand (1894–1977) French biologist, philosopher
De la vanit
Quotations by:
Rostand, Jean
We find it easy to believe that praise is sincere: Why should anyone lie in telling us the truth?
Jean Rostand (1894–1977) French biologist, philosopher
De la vanité (1925)
Stupidity, outrage, vanity, cruelty, iniquity, bad faith, falsehood — we fail to see the whole array when it is facing in the same direction as we.
Jean Rostand (1894–1977) French biologist, philosopher
Pensées d’un Biologiste (1939)