Thursday

Upbeat Understanding

Upbeat Understanding
(posted for the A to Z Challenge)

U is for Upbeat … and Understanding.

Today is April 21st, and that means it’s National High Five Day in the U.S. 

People love praise – not flattery, which may be based on fiction or fable and usually comes with proverbial strings attached. A genuine compliment actually affirms the recipient, for it recognizes true effort.

Yesterday, for example, I received one of the most appreciated compliments I have ever had for one of my published pieces. Sure, a “good job” or a “nicely done” are always welcome. But I’ve never been compared to a legendary wordsmith before. (Thanks, Tracy V!)

Humans adore honor. Vitamin H may be biotin, but its counterpart may be another Vitamin H altogether … for Honor. Who doesn’t appreciate a solid pat on the back once in a while?

Here are some provocative quotations on praise and compliments for High Five Day.

Admonish your friends privately, but praise them openly.
Publilius Syrus

Great tranquility of heart is his who cares for neither praise not blame.
Thomas Kempis

Having the critics praise you is like having the hangman say you've got a pretty neck.
Eli Wallach

I love criticism just so long as it's unqualified praise.
Noel Coward

In doing what we ought we deserve no praise, because it is our duty.
Saint Augustine

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

Praise out of season, or tactlessly bestowed, can freeze the heart as much as blame.
Pearl S. Buck

The sweetest of all sounds is praise.
Xenophon

You do ill if you praise, but worse if you censure, what you do not understand.
Leonardo da Vinci

Which quotes do you like the most? With which do you disagree?

To whom can you give kudos today?

Image:
High Five
Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class
Kenneth R. Hendrix
US Government Photo – Public Domain


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6 comments:

  1. AnonymousApril 25, 2011 at 9:49 AM

    I love the Noel Coward quote! :OD

    My A-Z Blogging “U” Post

    ReplyDelete
  2. Tony PayneApril 25, 2011 at 11:20 AM

    Praise is always worth having, and it makes you feel good when you can praise someone too. Thanks for reminding us.

    ReplyDelete
  3. SuburbanWifeLife.comApril 25, 2011 at 12:20 PM

    I would love to give you some praise but your blog is doing weird things to my browser. lol I am however upbeat and understanding that you do not own blogger so it isn't your fault. Good job on a good post. ;)

    ReplyDelete
  4. MikeApril 25, 2011 at 1:29 PM

    You left out my favorite:
    Prover 27:22 Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth;
    an outsider, and not your own lips.



    You may begin at any time.

    ReplyDelete
  5. UnknownApril 25, 2011 at 4:13 PM

    The quote from Saint Augustine rang true for me. Praise should not be expected for doing our duty, but that doesn't mean it isn't nice when it is offered.

    ReplyDelete
  6. R. Elizabeth C. KitchenApril 25, 2011 at 10:03 PM

    I love the quotes!

    ReplyDelete

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