Flattery is a fine art
To flatter and to be flattered is in the nature of man. In fact man is superior to other animals by virtue of this gift. We mortals are practicing it so often that it has become second nature with us. Last week I was staying at my uncle’s house. These days he was on leave. He was in the habit of talking to his dog pretty often. One day I overheard him. He was praising his dog. I was surprised at first. But then I knew the reason. Yes, you guessed it right. He was polishing his skill lest he went out of practice.
You know flattery can do miracles. It can win you almost anything. But remember it is an art. If you don’t have the aptitude for it or proper training in the field, you might find yourself in a tight spot. It needs to be practiced with consummate skill or else backfires. Those who are not properly initiated into this orphic cult end often at gallows. At the least they spend the rest of their life behind the bars. Once a famous Urdu poet wanted to laud his patron’s pedigree; a little slip of tongue made him utter the word with double meaning. No doubt the poor chap meant by this word that Nawab Sahib was of most exalted birth (anjab meaning najeebut traffain). Unlucky for him that the unintended meaning was more near the truth (child from a Kaneez). It reminded the nawab that his mother was a kaneez . Whatever happened was no one’s fault. Only he had no right to flatter if he had not attained full excellence in it.
Let no one doubt its immense power. People say that politics is the art of possible. Flattery is then far more superior. It is not just the art of possible but making possible what otherwise seems impossible. Last week I was travelling with my uncle when a donkey decided to demonstrate its strong determination. It stood in the middle of a narrow bridge, blocking traffic from both sides. The owner tried in vain to intimidate it into submission. Several prominent people entreated but with no result. One or two lawyers used their power of persuasion. The donkey however refused to budge an inch. At last my CSS uncle went near and said “sir, would you please inaugurate the opening of this bridge”. And to our relief, the donkey started walking with grace and dignity.
Some people claim character is destiny. Well, it may be so, but often one’s destiny depends on the gift of the gab. If you can talk attractively, life will be all roses. If you can’t, it will in all probability be no better than a thorny bush.
Some, who cannot manage it, condemn flattery as insincere. That is a lie. The one who practices is always sincere, to himself of course.. The one who is the target of it also sincerely believes in it. Don’t be misled by such malicious statements. Rather polish your skill by constant practice.
Believe me sir, flattery is a consummate art. One has always to be on the watch for proper occasion. At the same time one must keep a proper balance. A bit of exaggeration here, or a little understatement there, may spoil the broil. If too little, the meal may taste insipid; it a little too much, it may taste disgusting, almost abominable. Sometimes it may do wonders to trace a donkey’ descent to a horse of good breed. At times however, it proves hazardous to give an owl the title of a mighty hawk. It might remind him of his blindness in the blaze of day light.
Flattery being an art of great excellence, it needs to be taught as full course at colleges. Emphsis should however be placed on practical aspect. The course must also include plenty of demos by illustrious chamchas (flatterers) of national renown. Moreover the great practitioners of this vital science be persuaded as well as encouraged to share their cherished treasure of hi-tech with others.
Please don’t underestimate the importance of my proposal. Flattery is one of the basic needs. If we look around, it shines everywhere. Subordinates flatter their bosses who in their turn flatter their seniors. Husbands flatter wives and the poor wives flatter themselves finding their husbands’ flattery quite insufficient. Were I not short of time I would cite another anecdote. But I think I have already flattered enough. Now it is your turn.
Flattery is a fine art To flatter and to be flattered is in the nature of man. In fact man is superior to other animals by virtue of this gift. We mortals are practicing it so often that it has become second nature with us. Last week I was staying at my uncle’s house. These days he was on leave. He was in the habit of talking to his dog pretty often. One day I overheard him. He was praising his dog. I was surprised at first. But then I knew the reason. Yes, you guessed it right. He was polishing his skill lest he went out of practice.
You know flattery can do miracles. It can win you almost anything. But remember it is an art. If you don’t have the aptitude for it or proper training in the field, you might find yourself in a tight spot. It needs to be practiced with consummate skill or else backfires. Those who are not properly initiated into this orphic cult end often at gallows. At the least they spend the rest of their life behind the bars. Once a famous Urdu poet wanted to laud his patron’s pedigree; a little slip of tongue made him utter the word with double meaning. No doubt the poor chap meant by this word that Nawab Sahib was of most exalted birth (anjab meaning najeebut traffain). Unlucky for him that the unintended meaning was more near the truth (child from a Kaneez). It reminded the nawab that his mother was a kaneez . Whatever happened was no one’s fault. Only he had no right to flatter if he had not attained full excellence in it.
Let no one doubt its immense power. People say that politics is the art of possible. Flattery is then far more superior. It is not just the art of possible but making possible what otherwise seems impossible. Last week I was travelling with my uncle when a donkey decided to demonstrate its strong determination. It stood in the middle of a narrow bridge, blocking traffic from both sides. The owner tried in vain to intimidate it into submission. Several prominent people entreated but with no result. One or two lawyers used their power of persuasion. The donkey however refused to budge an inch. At last my CSS uncle went near and said “sir, would you please inaugurate the opening of this bridge”. And to our relief, the donkey started walking with grace and dignity.
Some people claim character is destiny. Well, it may be so, but often one’s destiny depends on the gift of the gab. If you can talk attractively, life will be all roses. If you can’t, it will in all probability be no better than a thorny bush.
Some, who cannot manage it, condemn flattery as insincere. That is a lie. The one who practices is always sincere, to himself of course.. The one who is the target of it also sincerely believes in it. Don’t be misled by such malicious statements. Rather polish your skill by constant practice.
Believe me sir, flattery is a consummate art. One has always to be on the watch for proper occasion. At the same time one must keep a proper balance. A bit of exaggeration here, or a little understatement there, may spoil the broil. If too little, the meal may taste insipid; it a little too much, it may taste disgusting, almost abominable. Sometimes it may do wonders to trace a donkey’ descent to a horse of good breed. At times however, it proves hazardous to give an owl the title of a mighty hawk. It might remind him of his blindness in the blaze of day light.
Flattery being an art of great excellence, it needs to be taught as full course at colleges. Emphsis should however be placed on practical aspect. The course must also include plenty of demos by illustrious chamchas (flatterers) of national renown. Moreover the great practitioners of this vital science be persuaded as well as encouraged to share their cherished treasure of hi-tech with others.
Please don’t underestimate the importance of my proposal. Flattery is one of the basic needs. If we look around, it shines everywhere. Subordinates flatter their bosses who in their turn flatter their seniors. Husbands flatter wives and the poor wives flatter themselves finding their husbands’ flattery quite insufficient. Were I not short of time I would cite another anecdote. But I think I have already flattered enough. Now it is your turn.
To flatter and to be flattered is in the nature of man. In fact man is superior to other animals by virtue of this gift. We mortals are practicing it so often that it has become second nature with us. Last week I was staying at my uncle’s house. These days he was on leave. He was in the habit of talking to his dog pretty often. One day I overheard him. He was praising his dog. I was surprised at first. But then I knew the reason. Yes, you guessed it right. He was polishing his skill lest he went out of practice.
You know flattery can do miracles. It can win you almost anything. But remember it is an art. If you don’t have the aptitude for it or proper training in the field, you might find yourself in a tight spot. It needs to be practiced with consummate skill or else backfires. Those who are not properly initiated into this orphic cult end often at gallows. At the least they spend the rest of their life behind the bars. Once a famous Urdu poet wanted to laud his patron’s pedigree; a little slip of tongue made him utter the word with double meaning. No doubt the poor chap meant by this word that Nawab Sahib was of most exalted birth (anjab meaning najeebut traffain). Unlucky for him that the unintended meaning was more near the truth (child from a Kaneez). It reminded the nawab that his mother was a kaneez . Whatever happened was no one’s fault. Only he had no right to flatter if he had not attained full excellence in it.
Let no one doubt its immense power. People say that politics is the art of possible. Flattery is then far more superior. It is not just the art of possible but making possible what otherwise seems impossible. Last week I was travelling with my uncle when a donkey decided to demonstrate its strong determination. It stood in the middle of a narrow bridge, blocking traffic from both sides. The owner tried in vain to intimidate it into submission. Several prominent people entreated but with no result. One or two lawyers used their power of persuasion. The donkey however refused to budge an inch. At last my CSS uncle went near and said “sir, would you please inaugurate the opening of this bridge”. And to our relief, the donkey started walking with grace and dignity.
Some people claim character is destiny. Well, it may be so, but often one’s destiny depends on the gift of the gab. If you can talk attractively, life will be all roses. If you can’t, it will in all probability be no better than a thorny bush.
Some, who cannot manage it, condemn flattery as insincere. That is a lie. The one who practices is always sincere, to himself of course.. The one who is the target of it also sincerely believes in it. Don’t be misled by such malicious statements. Rather polish your skill by constant practice.
Believe me sir, flattery is a consummate art. One has always to be on the watch for proper occasion. At the same time one must keep a proper balance. A bit of exaggeration here, or a little understatement there, may spoil the broil. If too little, the meal may taste insipid; it a little too much, it may taste disgusting, almost abominable. Sometimes it may do wonders to trace a donkey’ descent to a horse of good breed. At times however, it proves hazardous to give an owl the title of a mighty hawk. It might remind him of his blindness in the blaze of day light.
Flattery being an art of great excellence, it needs to be taught as full course at colleges. Emphsis should however be placed on practical aspect. The course must also include plenty of demos by illustrious chamchas (flatterers) of national renown. Moreover the great practitioners of this vital science be persuaded as well as encouraged to share their cherished treasure of hi-tech with others.
Please don’t underestimate the importance of my proposal. Flattery is one of the basic needs. If we look around, it shines everywhere. Subordinates flatter their bosses who in their turn flatter their seniors. Husbands flatter wives and the poor wives flatter themselves finding their husbands’ flattery quite insufficient. Were I not short of time I would cite another anecdote. But I think I have already flattered enough. Now it is your turn.
Flattery is a fine art To flatter and to be flattered is in the nature of man. In fact man is superior to other animals by virtue of this gift. We mortals are practicing it so often that it has become second nature with us. Last week I was staying at my uncle’s house. These days he was on leave. He was in the habit of talking to his dog pretty often. One day I overheard him. He was praising his dog. I was surprised at first. But then I knew the reason. Yes, you guessed it right. He was polishing his skill lest he went out of practice.
You know flattery can do miracles. It can win you almost anything. But remember it is an art. If you don’t have the aptitude for it or proper training in the field, you might find yourself in a tight spot. It needs to be practiced with consummate skill or else backfires. Those who are not properly initiated into this orphic cult end often at gallows. At the least they spend the rest of their life behind the bars. Once a famous Urdu poet wanted to laud his patron’s pedigree; a little slip of tongue made him utter the word with double meaning. No doubt the poor chap meant by this word that Nawab Sahib was of most exalted birth (anjab meaning najeebut traffain). Unlucky for him that the unintended meaning was more near the truth (child from a Kaneez). It reminded the nawab that his mother was a kaneez . Whatever happened was no one’s fault. Only he had no right to flatter if he had not attained full excellence in it.
Let no one doubt its immense power. People say that politics is the art of possible. Flattery is then far more superior. It is not just the art of possible but making possible what otherwise seems impossible. Last week I was travelling with my uncle when a donkey decided to demonstrate its strong determination. It stood in the middle of a narrow bridge, blocking traffic from both sides. The owner tried in vain to intimidate it into submission. Several prominent people entreated but with no result. One or two lawyers used their power of persuasion. The donkey however refused to budge an inch. At last my CSS uncle went near and said “sir, would you please inaugurate the opening of this bridge”. And to our relief, the donkey started walking with grace and dignity.
Some people claim character is destiny. Well, it may be so, but often one’s destiny depends on the gift of the gab. If you can talk attractively, life will be all roses. If you can’t, it will in all probability be no better than a thorny bush.
Some, who cannot manage it, condemn flattery as insincere. That is a lie. The one who practices is always sincere, to himself of course.. The one who is the target of it also sincerely believes in it. Don’t be misled by such malicious statements. Rather polish your skill by constant practice.
Believe me sir, flattery is a consummate art. One has always to be on the watch for proper occasion. At the same time one must keep a proper balance. A bit of exaggeration here, or a little understatement there, may spoil the broil. If too little, the meal may taste insipid; it a little too much, it may taste disgusting, almost abominable. Sometimes it may do wonders to trace a donkey’ descent to a horse of good breed. At times however, it proves hazardous to give an owl the title of a mighty hawk. It might remind him of his blindness in the blaze of day light.
Flattery being an art of great excellence, it needs to be taught as full course at colleges. Emphsis should however be placed on practical aspect. The course must also include plenty of demos by illustrious chamchas (flatterers) of national renown. Moreover the great practitioners of this vital science be persuaded as well as encouraged to share their cherished treasure of hi-tech with others.
Please don’t underestimate the importance of my proposal. Flattery is one of the basic needs. If we look around, it shines everywhere. Subordinates flatter their bosses who in their turn flatter their seniors. Husbands flatter wives and the poor wives flatter themselves finding their husbands’ flattery quite insufficient. Were I not short of time I would cite another anecdote. But I think I have already flattered enough. Now it is your turn.
Flattery is a fine art To flatter and to be flattered is in the nature of man. In fact man is superior to other animals by virtue of this gift. We mortals are practicing it so often that it has become second nature with us. Last week I was staying at my uncle’s house. These days he was on leave. He was in the habit of talking to his dog pretty often. One day I overheard him. He was praising his dog. I was surprised at first. But then I knew the reason. Yes, you guessed it right. He was polishing his skill lest he went out of practice.
You know flattery can do miracles. It can win you almost anything. But remember it is an art. If you don’t have the aptitude for it or proper training in the field, you might find yourself in a tight spot. It needs to be practiced with consummate skill or else backfires. Those who are not properly initiated into this orphic cult end often at gallows. At the least they spend the rest of their life behind the bars. Once a famous Urdu poet wanted to laud his patron’s pedigree; a little slip of tongue made him utter the word with double meaning. No doubt the poor chap meant by this word that Nawab Sahib was of most exalted birth (anjab meaning najeebut traffain). Unlucky for him that the unintended meaning was more near the truth (child from a Kaneez). It reminded the nawab that his mother was a kaneez . Whatever happened was no one’s fault. Only he had no right to flatter if he had not attained full excellence in it.
Let no one doubt its immense power. People say that politics is the art of possible. Flattery is then far more superior. It is not just the art of possible but making possible what otherwise seems impossible. Last week I was travelling with my uncle when a donkey decided to demonstrate its strong determination. It stood in the middle of a narrow bridge, blocking traffic from both sides. The owner tried in vain to intimidate it into submission. Several prominent people entreated but with no result. One or two lawyers used their power of persuasion. The donkey however refused to budge an inch. At last my CSS uncle went near and said “sir, would you please inaugurate the opening of this bridge”. And to our relief, the donkey started walking with grace and dignity.
Some people claim character is destiny. Well, it may be so, but often one’s destiny depends on the gift of the gab. If you can talk attractively, life will be all roses. If you can’t, it will in all probability be no better than a thorny bush.
Some, who cannot manage it, condemn flattery as insincere. That is a lie. The one who practices is always sincere, to himself of course.. The one who is the target of it also sincerely believes in it. Don’t be misled by such malicious statements. Rather polish your skill by constant practice.
Believe me sir, flattery is a consummate art. One has always to be on the watch for proper occasion. At the same time one must keep a proper balance. A bit of exaggeration here, or a little understatement there, may spoil the broil. If too little, the meal may taste insipid; it a little too much, it may taste disgusting, almost abominable. Sometimes it may do wonders to trace a donkey’ descent to a horse of good breed. At times however, it proves hazardous to give an owl the title of a mighty hawk. It might remind him of his blindness in the blaze of day light.
Flattery being an art of great excellence, it needs to be taught as full course at colleges. Emphsis should however be placed on practical aspect. The course must also include plenty of demos by illustrious chamchas (flatterers) of national renown. Moreover the great practitioners of this vital science be persuaded as well as encouraged to share their cherished treasure of hi-tech with others.
Please don’t underestimate the importance of my proposal. Flattery is one of the basic needs. If we look around, it shines everywhere. Subordinates flatter their bosses who in their turn flatter their seniors. Husbands flatter wives and the poor wives flatter themselves finding their husbands’ flattery quite insufficient. Were I not short of time I would cite another anecdote. But I think I have already flattered enough. Now it is your turn.
You know flattery can do miracles. It can win you almost anything. But remember it is an art. If you don’t have the aptitude for it or proper training in the field, you might find yourself in a tight spot. It needs to be practiced with consummate skill or else backfires. Those who are not properly initiated into this orphic cult end often at gallows. At the least they spend the rest of their life behind the bars. Once a famous Urdu poet wanted to laud his patron’s pedigree; a little slip of tongue made him utter the word with double meaning. No doubt the poor chap meant by this word that Nawab Sahib was of most exalted birth (anjab meaning najeebut traffain). Unlucky for him that the unintended meaning was more near the truth (child from a Kaneez). It reminded the nawab that his mother was a kaneez . Whatever happened was no one’s fault. Only he had no right to flatter if he had not attained full excellence in it.
Let no one doubt its immense power. People say that politics is the art of possible. Flattery is then far more superior. It is not just the art of possible but making possible what otherwise seems impossible. Last week I was travelling with my uncle when a donkey decided to demonstrate its strong determination. It stood in the middle of a narrow bridge, blocking traffic from both sides. The owner tried in vain to intimidate it into submission. Several prominent people entreated but with no result. One or two lawyers used their power of persuasion. The donkey however refused to budge an inch. At last my CSS uncle went near and said “sir, would you please inaugurate the opening of this bridge”. And to our relief, the donkey started walking with grace and dignity.
Some people claim character is destiny. Well, it may be so, but often one’s destiny depends on the gift of the gab. If you can talk attractively, life will be all roses. If you can’t, it will in all probability be no better than a thorny bush.
Some, who cannot manage it, condemn flattery as insincere. That is a lie. The one who practices is always sincere, to himself of course.. The one who is the target of it also sincerely believes in it. Don’t be misled by such malicious statements. Rather polish your skill by constant practice.
Believe me sir, flattery is a consummate art. One has always to be on the watch for proper occasion. At the same time one must keep a proper balance. A bit of exaggeration here, or a little understatement there, may spoil the broil. If too little, the meal may taste insipid; it a little too much, it may taste disgusting, almost abominable. Sometimes it may do wonders to trace a donkey’ descent to a horse of good breed. At times however, it proves hazardous to give an owl the title of a mighty hawk. It might remind him of his blindness in the blaze of day light.
Flattery being an art of great excellence, it needs to be taught as full course at colleges. Emphsis should however be placed on practical aspect. The course must also include plenty of demos by illustrious chamchas (flatterers) of national renown. Moreover the great practitioners of this vital science be persuaded as well as encouraged to share their cherished treasure of hi-tech with others.
Please don’t underestimate the importance of my proposal. Flattery is one of the basic needs. If we look around, it shines everywhere. Subordinates flatter their bosses who in their turn flatter their seniors. Husbands flatter wives and the poor wives flatter themselves finding their husbands’ flattery quite insufficient. Were I not short of time I would cite another anecdote. But I think I have already flattered enough. Now it is your turn.