Powerful people like to be praised, and sycophants do so on a regular basis. Sycophants are parasites who flatter the rich in hopes of personal gain. Their position depends not only on the credibility of their flattery but also on their patrons’ whims; it can be a dangerous job. Some toadies don’t fool their lords but are kept around so the lord can have fun at their expense. Anybody can pay lip-service, obtain a reward and move on, but sycophants live off boot-licking.