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About this quote

What does it mean?
A wise person must love enemies and also be capable of hating friends, indicating complex moral capacities.
In plain terms
One should love foes and be able to despise allies.
What can you take from it?
Moral maturity includes nuanced feelings toward all people.

Where it applies

  • discussing moral complexity
  • personal development

Putting it to work

  • practice impartial judgment

Questions to consider

  • How can one balance love and hate ethically?
  • What benefits arise from loving enemies?

Another view

Promoting hatred toward friends can be socially destructive.

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