Some men prefer flattery over honesty so much they hire flatterers as advisors. It is said that Callias dissipated all his inherited wealth on sophists, flatterers, and women. These men alone should be classed neither among flatterers nor free men. Isocrates criticized the flatterers who had brought ruin to their public affairs. While surrounded by flatterers, he didn't have any supporters. He was reportedly aided by several flatterers in his service.