Flattery works like a drug.
In phrases as brief as a breath worldly wisdom concentrates.
A little flattery, like a warm bath and soft towel, will let you get along with yourself, lie down with yourself, and sleep.
Quotologists encounter happy surprises, bright books by faded authors, treasures hidden under dust.
Quotations calcify into clichés.
Say what you want without saying it yourself: quote. Very useful, this, sometimes lovely, and versatile, too: big thoughts in small pieces, neatly wrapped and bundled in bulk, in different flavors for different tastes.