Flattery

Original Text:

孔子曰益者三友损者三友友直友谅友多闻益矣友便辟友善柔友便佞损矣

Translation:

Other Translations:

Confucius said, “Beneficial types of friendship number three, as do harmful types of friendship. Befriending the upright, those who are true to their word, or those of broad learning—these are the beneficial types of friendship. Befriending clever flatterers, skillful dissemblers, or the smoothly glib—these are the harmful types of friendship.”

Confucius, & Slingerland, E. (2003). Analects: With selections from traditional commentaries. Hackett Publishing.

Confucius said, Three kinds of friends are beneficial; three kinds are harmful. Straightforward friends, sincere friends, well-informed friends—these are beneficial. Hypocritical friends, sycophantic friends, glib-talking friends—these are harmful.

Confucius, & Watson, B. (2007). The Analects of Confucius. Columbia University Press.