Skip to content

My enemy is not the man who wrongs me, but the man who…

“My enemy is not the man who wrongs me, but the man who means to wrong me.” quote by Democritus
Download Open image
“My enemy is not the man who wrongs me, but the man who means to wrong me.”

Democritus

About This Quote

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

The true threat is not the act of wrongdoing but the intention to cause harm, highlighting premeditated malice.

In simple terms: Intent to harm is more dangerous than the act itself.

Key Takeaway

Guard against malicious intent, not just actions.

Themes

ethics danger intent trust

Mood

cautious reflective

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

  • personal relationships
  • legal judgments
  • security assessments
  • conflict resolution

Key Concepts

premeditation moral philosophy human nature

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we identify harmful intentions early?
  • What safeguards protect against premeditated threats?
A Different Perspective

Intent can be hidden, making detection difficult.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Democritus

Explore all 106 Democritus quotes

More Enemy quotes

Browse all 7,981 Enemy quotes