The enemy is like a woman, weak in face of opposition, but correspondingly strong when not opposed. In a quarrel with a man, it is natural for a woman to lose heart and run away when he faces up to her; on the other hand, if the man begins to be afraid and to give ground, her rage, vindictiveness and fury overflow and know no limit.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The enemy is likened to a woman who yields when confronted but becomes fierce and vengeful when the opponent retreats.
- In plain terms
- An adversary backs down when challenged but becomes angry when not.
- What can you take from it?
- Do not underestimate a foe’s retaliation when you show weakness.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Why do people react differently to pressure?
- What role does perception play in conflict?
Another view
The gendered metaphor reflects historical stereotypes and may not be universally applicable.
More from Ignatius of Loyola
Imagine that leader of all the enemy, in that great plain of Babylon, sitting on a sort of throne of smoking flame, a horrible and terrifying sight. Watch him …
Permalink to quote #4 We should always be prepared so as never to err to believe that what I see as white is black, if the hierarchic Church defines it thus.
Permalink to quote #6 The picture. A great plain, comprising the entire Jerusalem district, where is the supreme Commander-in-Chief of the forces of good, Christ our Lord: another p…
Permalink to quote #3
Related quotes
Fuyez un ennemi qui sait votre defaut.
Pierre CorneillePierre Corneille quote #34 You can discover what your enemy fears most by observing the means he uses to frighten you.
Eric HofferEric Hoffer quote #63 Attack is the reaction; I never think I have hit hard unless it rebounds.
Samuel JohnsonSamuel Johnson quote #140