People
Suspect all extraordinary and groundless civilities.
— Thomas Fuller • Introductio ad prudentiam: or, Directions, Counsels, and Cautions, Tending to Prudent Management of Affairs in Common Life
Behind the line May contain spoilers.
Our reading
An editorial 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.
Context reviewed