quotations about enemies
A distant enemy is always preferable to one at the gate.
EMIL CIORAN
History & Utopia
The enemy to be feared most is one who wears the face of a friend.
BRIAN HERBERT & KEVEN J. ANDERSON
Dune: House Corrino
I like to have powerful enemies. Makes me feel important.
LEIGH BARDUGO
Siege and Storm
When we admit that our enemies are really a part of ourselves they help us (or force us) to incorporate the unity of God and of creation into our lives.
MOSHE SCHATZ
preface, You Are What You Hate
Men of sense often learn from their enemies. It is from their foes, not their friends, that cities learn the lesson of building high walls and ships of war.
ARISTOPHANES
The Birds
A dead man is the worst enemy alive ... You can't alter his power over you. You can't alter what you love or owe. And it's too late to ask him for his absolution. He has beaten you all ways.
JOHN LE CARRÉ
Our Game
It's great to have an enemy. Sharpens your senses.
JOHN UPDIKE
Rabbit is Rich
The enemy
Is gonna get me
But not today
On my horsey
MOLOKO
"On My Horsey", Do You Like My Tight Sweater?
You have enemies? Why, it is the story of every man who has done a great deed or created a new idea. It is the cloud which thunders around everything that shines. Fame must have enemies, as light must have gnats. Do no bother yourself about it; disdain. Keep your mind serene as you keep your life clear.
VICTOR HUGO
Choses Vues 1849-1885
A conquered foe should be watched.
EDGAR WATSON HOWE
Country Town Sayings
Come to me
The enemy
GODSMACK
"The Enemy", IV
A man's enemies are those he should endeavor first to make his friends.
NORMAN MACDONALD
Maxims and Moral Reflections
What joins men together ... is not the sharing of bread but the sharing of enemies.
CORMAC MCCARTHY
Blood Meridian
The enemy is never more unnerving than when he's invisible.
K. J. PARKER
Devices and Desires
We're locked in a death grip and it's taking its toll
When our enemies are what make us whole
ANDREW BIRD
"Archipelago", My Finest Work Yet
He who has a thousand friends has not a friend to spare,
And he who has one enemy will meet him everywhere.
ALI IBN-ABI-TALIB
A Hundred Sayings
I have always paid attention to the merits of my enemies, and found it an advantage.
JOHANN WOLFGANG VON GOETHE
The Maxims and Reflections of Goethe
He who has his enemy's love and trust is in a far better position to attack, later, when the time is right.
K. J. PARKER
Devices and Desires
When the inhabitants of a free city have overcome the enemy in the field, it is not easy to express the pleasure which they feel in putting their opponents to flight, as well as in pursuing and making havoc of them.
XENOPHON
Hiero
Scratch a lover, and find a foe.
DOROTHY PARKER
"Ballads of a Great Weariness", Enough Rope