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About this quote

What does it mean?
Respect between adversaries exists based on professional skill and loyalty despite being on opposite sides.
In plain terms
Even enemies can respect each other for skill and loyalty.
What can you take from it?
Acknowledge professional merit even in conflict.

Where it applies

  • military history
  • negotiation
  • conflict resolution

Putting it to work

  • professional courtesy
  • conflict assessment

Questions to consider

  • Can you respect your opponent?
  • What defines professional honor?

Another view

Respect does not excuse the actions of the enemy.

More from Karl Donitz

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  3. I don't believe this man has any notion of what is going on in the world. He is acute, in no ways dull, but his mind seems to have blocked out the salient feat…

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