Enemy Quote by Akhenaton
“Say not unto thyself, Behold, truth breedeth hatred, and I will avoid it; dissimulation raiseth friends, and I will follow it. Are not the enemies made by truth, better than the friends obtained by flattery?”
About This Quote
Source Poem: Unknown ancient Egyptian text, 14th century BC
Truth can create enemies, while flattery creates false friends; the speaker prefers honest enemies over deceitful allies.
In simple terms: Truth breeds enemies, flattery creates false friends.
Key Takeaway
Choose honesty over deceit.
Themes
honesty
friendship
truth
flattery
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
advice
When to use this quote
- political discourse
- personal relationships
- leadership decisions
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
social dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- Is it better to have honest enemies than loyal liars?
- How does truth affect personal safety?
A Different Perspective
Flattery may provide short‑term comfort but erodes trust.
