"I cannot think of any character below the flatterer, except he who envies him"

In this quote, Richard Steele is revealing his ridicule for two kinds of people: the flatterer and the envious. He believes that the flatterer is the most affordable form of character, as they are insincere and only seek to gain favor through false appreciation. However, he likewise acknowledges that there is one character even lower than the flatterer, and that is the jealous person. This specific not only does not have sincerity, but also harbors negative sensations towards those who are successful or praised. Steele's words act as a pointer to avoid these unfavorable qualities and strive for genuine and modest character.