"He who knows how to flatter also knows how to slander"

This quote by Napoleon Bonaparte suggests that those who are knowledgeable in the art of flattery are likewise knowledgeable in the art of slander. This indicates that those who are proficient at flattering others are also proficient at speaking ill of them. This could be interpreted as a cautioning to be cautious of those who are overly complimentary, as they might be utilizing their words to control or trick. It might also be analyzed as an alerting to be cautious of what one states, as words can be used to both develop and tear down. Eventually, this quote functions as a pointer that words have power and should be utilized with caution.