“True praise comes often even to the lowly; false praise only to the strong.”
- c. 4 BC – AD 65
- Roman
- Philosopher, Statesman, Dramatist, Stoic Thinker, Advisor to Emperor Nero
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Quote
“True praise comes often even to the lowly; false praise only to the strong.”
Explanation
Sincere recognition is given freely to the humble, while flattery is reserved for those in power. Seneca the Younger points out a social truth: those who hold little influence may receive honest praise, untainted by motive or self-interest, while the powerful are often surrounded by insincere approval driven by fear or favor-seeking.
This insight aligns with Stoic warnings against vanity and the deceptive nature of external validation. Seneca believed that true worth should be measured by virtue, not by acclaim. The strong—or those in high positions—are more likely to attract false praise, because others may seek their favor rather than genuinely admire their character. The lowly, having little to offer in return, are praised only when the praise is earned.
In the modern world, where celebrity, status, and power often distort truth, this quote remains profoundly relevant. Public figures may be surrounded by applause that conceals judgment, while the quietly virtuous go unnoticed. Seneca’s wisdom teaches us to value praise that is free of flattery, and to seek the kind of character that earns quiet respect over noisy approval.
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