Enemy Quote by Benjamin Franklin
“Do good to thy friend to keep him, to thy enemy to gain him.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Advice to a Young Man, Benjamin Franklin, 1748
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.
