It is salutary to train oneself to be no more affected by censure than by praise.
W. Somerset Maugham

It is simpler and easier to flatter people than to praise them.
Jean Paul

It was not the part of His kindly love that he who was to praise God's divine generosity in regard to others should be compelled to condemn it in regard to himself.
Giovanni Pico della Mirandola

Let America first praise mediocrity even, in her children, before she praises... the best excellence in the children of any other land.
Herman Melville

Let others praise ancient times; I am glad I was born in these.
Ovid

Let the master praise him, and say, "Here ye do well." For, I assure you, there is no such whetstone to sharpen a good wit, and encourage a will to learning, as is praise.
Roger Ascham

Make friends with the angels, who though invisible are always with you. Often invoke them, constantly praise them, and make good use of their help and assistance in all your temporal and spiritual affairs.
Saint Francis de Sales

Many know how to flatter, few know how to praise.
Wendell Phillips

Men sometimes feel injured by praise because it assigns a limit to their merit; few people are modest enough not to take offense that one appreciates them.
Luc de Clapiers

Modesty and unselfishness - these are the virtues which men praise - and pass by.
Andre Maurois

Modesty is the only sure bait when you angle for praise.
Lord Chesterfield

Most of us, swimming against the tides of trouble the world knows nothing about, need only a bit of praise or encouragement - and we will make the goal.
Robert Collier

My mother, she didn't believe in praise. She'd never say anything was great. I think that's quite Northern, to not make people feel too good. I didn't mind if she was proud of me or not, it didn't bother me. I was never trying to please her.
Victoria Wood

Neither a life of anarchy nor one beneath a despot should you praise; to all that lies in the middle a god has given excellence.
Aeschylus

Neither blame or praise yourself.
Plutarch

Neither praise or blame is the object of true criticism. Justly to discriminate, firmly to establish, wisely to prescribe, and honestly to award. These are the true aims and duties of criticism.
William Gilmore Simms

Not to be cheered by praise, not to be grieved by blame, but to know thoroughly one's own virtues or powers are the characteristics of an excellent man.
Satchel Paige

Not to be cheered by praise, not to be grieved by blame, but to know thoroughly ones own virtues or powers are the characteristics of an excellent man.
Saskya Pandita

Nothing is more effective than sincere, accurate praise, and nothing is more lame than a cookie-cutter compliment.
Bill Walsh

O my God, what must a soul be like when it is in this state! It longs to be all one tongue with which to praise the Lord. It utters a thousand pious follies, in a continuous endeavor to please Him who thus possesses it.
Saint Teresa of Avila