Dr. Metablog

Dr. Metablog is the nom de blague of Vivian de St. Vrain, the pen name of a resident of the mountain west who writes about language, books, politics, or whatever else comes to mind. Under the name Otto Onions (Oh NIGH uns), Vivian de St. Vrain is the author of “The Big Book of False Etymologies” (Oxford, 1978) and, writing as Amber Feldhammer, is editor of the classic anthology of confessional poetry, “My Underwear” (Virago, 1997).

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On Praise

Praise for what is not praiseworthy is mere flattery. All the more so, if fair words gain advantage. Praise even of the dead is suspect if it flatters survivors. Persons in authority must be wary of false praise: be mindful that for every man who praises you, ninety-nine hold their peace or mutter imprecations aside.  A friend of long standing said to me, "You are the hardest person to praise of anyone I've ever known," by which words he meant to tax me, but which I took as compliment. I offer praise generously when it is merited, but not for ordinary deeds. Of a churlish man, it was justly said at his funeral, that he was a good speller; of a sloven, that his fingernails had never been so clean. Praise need not be effusive and is most sincere if simply couched. I was once most happy to be praised, when a discreet man, looking over a landscape of which I am vain, said to a friend who marveled, "He works on it."  Of all virtues, I am most apt to praise diligence, the want of which I deplore in myself. Children are most easy to praise as they know not irony.

10 responses to “On Praise”

  1. Otis Jefferson Brown Avatar
    Otis Jefferson Brown

    That’s the greatest piece of prose I’ve ever read. You’re fantastic.

    Reply
  2. Vivian Hussein de St. Vrain Avatar
    Vivian Hussein de St. Vrain

    Thank you. I’ve revised my will to leave you all my $millions.

    Reply
  3. Kerry Avatar
    Kerry

    Praise from Vivian Hussein de St. Vrain is accepted with embarrassment, then tucked away and (nearly) forgotten, only to be pulled out into the light at a later hour, when, in privacy, it gives greatest pleasure.
    Viv is also the hardest person to give a gift to.
    (So. How’s that dew drying?)

    Reply
  4. Vivian Hussein de St. Vrain Avatar
    Vivian Hussein de St. Vrain

    Vivian Hussein de St. Vrain joyfully accepts plants if they fit into Vivian’s long range gardening scheme. Also, dried fruits except the sort that lead to bezoars.

    Reply
  5. Spike Schapiro Avatar
    Spike Schapiro

    Hey Dr. M: why are you writing in such an affected style today?

    Reply
  6. Marion Morrison, Ph. D. Avatar
    Marion Morrison, Ph. D.

    Spike: it’s clear that you’ve never read much. The entry is written as if by Francis Bacon. In my opinion, however, it’s not a very good imitation, although there are one or two good sentences.

    Reply
  7. Otis Jefferson Brown Avatar
    Otis Jefferson Brown

    Dr. Morrison, didn’t I see you in “Red River”?

    Reply
  8. Dinuzulu kaCetshwayo Avatar
    Dinuzulu kaCetshwayo

    Dr. Metablog, your humor is phenomenal. I request you to consider a reader’s guide to your pieces, that footnotes subtleties not always evident to the literarily uninformed, like me. I can’t recall any other blague of this writing quality.

    Reply
  9. Vivian de St. Vrain Avatar
    Vivian de St. Vrain

    Thanks, Dinu. Your words of praise are ever so eloguent.

    Reply
  10. Otis Jefferson Brown Avatar
    Otis Jefferson Brown

    Even your replies to our comments are beautifully crafted.

    Reply

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