When you have an enemy in your power, deprive him of the means of ever injuring you.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- If you control an enemy, remove their ability to harm you again.
- In plain terms
- Stop an enemy from hurting you by taking away their power.
- What can you take from it?
- Neutralize threats permanently when you have the chance.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you protect yourself without escalation?
- When is restraint safer?
Another view
Harsh measures can create new enemies or backlash.
More from Napoleon Bonaparte
The life of a citizen is the property of his country.
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