Do good to thy friend to keep him, to thy enemy to gain him.
“Do good to thy friend to keep him, to thy enemy to gain him.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Kindness to friends preserves them; kindness to enemies can win them over.
In simple terms: Be kind to all.
Key Takeaway
Practice generosity toward friends and rivals.
Themes
kindness
relationship
strategy
Mood
pragmatic
ethical
Type
philosophical
practical
When to use this quote
- networking
- conflict resolution
- leadership
Key Concepts
ethics
political philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance generosity with self‑protection?
- When is strategic kindness appropriate?
A Different Perspective
Kindness can be exploited if not discerning.