For my part, I love to stand foot to foot with an honest…
“For my part, I love to stand foot to foot with an honest foeman. To open warfare, bold and true hearts raise no objection but the ground of quarrel; it is covert enmity which we have most cause to fear, and best reason to loathe. That crafty kindness which inveigles me to sacrifice principle is the serpent in the grass - deadly to the incautious wayfarer.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
True conflict arises from hidden hostility, not overt battle; false kindness that tempts compromise is dangerous.
In simple terms: Hidden enmity is more threatening than open war.
Key Takeaway
Beware deceptive kindness that erodes principles.
Themes
conflict
integrity
trust
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- leadership
- personal relationships
- negotiations
- ethical decisions
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you recognize hidden threats in relationships?
- What safeguards protect your principles?
A Different Perspective
Covert hostility can be hard to detect and may lead to betrayal.