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About this quote

What does it mean?
Political or strategic interests should dictate alliances rather than personal affection.
In plain terms
Change your friends based on what is useful for your goals.
What can you take from it?
Alliances should serve policy, not emotion.

Where it applies

  • political maneuvering
  • business negotiations
  • diplomacy

Putting it to work

  • evaluate allies by utility
  • prioritize goals over feelings

Questions to consider

  • Do your alliances serve your values or your agenda?
  • How do you balance loyalty and strategy?

Another view

Purely transactional relationships can lack trust.

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