I owe much to my friends; but, all things considered, it strikes me that I owe even more to my enemies. The real person springs to life under a sting even better than under a caress.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Adversarial interactions often reveal true character more effectively than comforting ones.
- In plain terms
- Enemies can teach us more about ourselves than friends.
- What can you take from it?
- Use criticism to understand your true self.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What have your critics taught you?
- How do you react to opposition?
Another view
Not all enemies provide constructive insight.
More from Andre Gide
Great authors are admirable in this respect: in every generation they make for disagreement. Through them we become aware of our differences.
Permalink to quote #21 In hell there is no other punishment than to begin over and over again the tasks left unfinished in your lifetime.
Permalink to quote #23 Everything has been said before, but since nobody listens we have to keep going back and beginning all over again.
Permalink to quote #20
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