Nos plus cruels ennemis sont nos proches... Les rois n'ont ni freres, ni fils, ni mere.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Our cruelest enemies are our own; kings have no brothers, sons, or mothers.
- In plain terms
- Our harshest foes are close to us; monarchs lack family ties.
- What can you take from it?
- Beware betrayal from those near you; power can isolate leaders.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How does proximity affect perceived threat?
- What safeguards protect against insider betrayal?
Another view
The claim about kings' families is historically inaccurate.
More from Honore de Balzac
Les idees devorent les siecles comme les hommes sont devores par leurs passions. Quand l'homme sera gueri, l'humanite se guerira peut-etre.
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Permalink to quote #115 Quand la religion et la royaute seront abattues, le peuple en viendra aux grands, apres les grands il s'en prendra aux riches.
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