Definice a Význam "praise makes good men better and bad men worse"

What is the origin of the proverb "praise makes good men better and bad men worse" and when to use it?

The origin of the proverb "praise makes good men better and bad men worse" can be traced to the writings of the ancient Roman philosopher Tacitus. The saying suggests that praise can have differing effects depending on the character of the person receiving it. For virtuous individuals, praise may encourage them to improve further, while for those with negative qualities, praise may feed their flaws or encourage arrogance. The proverb serves as a reminder that recognition should be given thoughtfully, as it can either uplift or reinforce existing behaviors.