An ornate burgundy gift box stands partly open, showing velvet lining, with a small key beside it.

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Introductio ad prudentiam: or, Directions, Counsels, and Cautions, Tending to Prudent Management of Affairs in Common Life

Thomas Fuller

Suspect all extraordinary and groundless civilities.

Behind the line

What it means

Our interpretation.

A caution against trusting kindness that seems too generous or unearned. Fuller suggests flattery without a clear reason often masks hidden motives, regardless of who offers it. The advice treats sudden, extraordinary warmth as a signal to look closer rather than relax into easy comfort.

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