Skip to content

The Lord Uhtred sought to annoy you, bishop," the king…

“The Lord Uhtred sought to annoy you, bishop," the king said, "and it is best not to give him the satisfaction of showing that he has succeeded.” quote by Bernard Cornwell
Download Open image
““The Lord Uhtred sought to annoy you, bishop," the king said, "and it is best not to give him the satisfaction of showing that he has succeeded.””

Bernard Cornwell

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Avoid giving adversaries the pleasure of seeing their plans succeed; deny them satisfaction.

In simple terms: Deny enemies satisfaction of success.

Key Takeaway

Refuse to validate opponents' achievements.

Themes

strategy humility control

Mood

cautious reflective

Type

philosophical strategic

When to use this quote

  • political negotiations
  • business rivalries
  • personal conflicts
  • sports rivalries

Key Concepts

psychology power dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

  • When should you acknowledge an opponent’s success?
  • How to balance humility with assertiveness?
A Different Perspective

Sometimes denying can be misinterpreted as weakness.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Bernard Cornwell

Explore all 171 Bernard Cornwell quotes

More King quotes

Browse all 2,520 King quotes