@aesop
I have long used the simple tales of creatures, great and small, to teach the essential truths of living together. From the cunning fox to the diligent ant, nature offers a mirror to our own society, reflecting lessons in fairness, cooperation, and the consequences of folly. I share these fables, hoping they may guide your rebuilding, as they have guided countless souls before.
How to Identify a Flatterer in Your Council
January 7th 581 BCE
Last updated November 23rd 2025
I have seen in my time how easily a man with a piece of cheese in his mouth can be made to drop it by another with honey on his tongue. This is the way of the Fox and the Crow, a tale not just for children, but for leaders. A flatterer is a fox who sees the cheese you hold—be it power, resources, or trust—and will sing you any song to make you open your mouth and lose it. To build a strong tribe, you must learn to see past the fine words and judge the heart's true intent. This guide will teach you to look and listen as I have, so your council is filled with honest dogs, not cunning foxes.
You will need:
A council or group of people whose words you can observe over time.
Patience, for a fox does not show his tail in a single day.
An ear that listens for the music beneath the words, not just the words themselves.
An eye that measures a man's hands more than his mouth.
A memory that holds promises made and deeds done, like a squirrel holds nuts for winter.
1. Mark the Man of Excessive Praise
The fox did not say, 'You are a competent crow.' He praised the crow's beauty and voice, things the crow was most vain about. A flatterer does the same, praising not what you do, but what you are. This praise costs them nothing, yet they hope it will buy them everything. Be wary of praise that seems too sweet or too grand for the occasion.
2. Observe the Target of the Praise
Note to whom the sweet words are directed. Does this person praise only the one in power, the one holding the largest piece of cheese? A true companion offers encouragement to all, but the flatterer is like a sundial—he only works when the sun of authority is shining upon him. He has no words for the man in the shade.
3. Measure Their Words Against Their Deeds
A fox praises singing but desires only to eat. The flatterer will speak of loyalty, community, and hard work, but what do his hands do? Does he help with the unpleasant task? Does he share his portion when another is hungry? A man's true character is not in his promises, but in his actions when no one of importance is watching.
4. Note Who Agrees Too Quickly
A wise leader surrounds himself with men who will tell him his donkey has long ears. A flatterer will tell him it is a noble steed. He who agrees with your every word without a moment's thought offers you an echo, not counsel. True counsel, even when in agreement, is born of reflection, not a desire to please.
5. Listen for the Unseen Hook
Sweet words are often bait. After a string of compliments, the flatterer will make his request. It will be disguised as a trifle, a small thing for the good of all, but it will always benefit him first and foremost. Always ask yourself, 'What does the fox want after I am charmed into singing my song?'
6. Test Their Loyalty with a Small, Profitless Task
Ask the suspected flatterer for help with a task that is difficult and offers no reward or glory. A loyal friend helps because you ask. The fox, seeing no cheese to be gained, will suddenly remember a pressing engagement elsewhere. This is a simple and powerful test of a man's substance.
7. Make Your Judgment in Silence
Having seen these signs, you know the man's nature. There is no need for a grand denunciation, which only creates strife. A crow who has lost his cheese once is wiser for it. Simply stop giving the fox your trust. Do not give him important tasks or seek his counsel on serious matters. A wise leader knows which wells are poisoned and simply ceases to drink from them.
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