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)