Cheaper Quote by Bono
“Poverty breeds despair. We know this. Despair breeds violence. We know this. In turbulent times, isn't it cheaper, and smarter, to make friends out of potential enemies than to defend yourself against them later?”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Bono on Social Issues, Rolling Stone, 2015
Despair leads to violence, but building friendships with rivals can reduce conflict and cost.
In simple terms: Friendship with enemies can prevent violence.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate alliances with potential adversaries.
Themes
peace
conflict
social dynamics
strategy
cost
Mood
hopeful
pragmatic
Type
motivational
strategic
When to use this quote
- community building
- conflict resolution
- political negotiations
- neighborhood safety
Key Concepts
Human behavior
social capital
preventive diplomacy
Questions to Reflect On
- What steps can you take to turn a rival into an ally?
- When is confrontation unavoidable?
A Different Perspective
Friendship may not always be feasible or sincere.
![“We have the ability to take him [President of Venezuela, Hugo Chavez] out, and I think the time has come that we exercise that ability. We don't need another $200 billion war to get rid of one, you know, strong-arm dictator. It's a whole lot easier to have some of the covert operatives do the job…” quote by Pat Robertson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/194/pat-robertson-1972_ability_we-have-the-ability-to-take-him-presiden_23256.jpg)
![“[On President Bush's plan to get to Mars in 10 years] Stupid. Robots would do a better job and be much cheaper because you don't have to bring them back.” quote by Stephen Hawking](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4f9/stephen-hawking-389_better-job_on-president-bush-s-plan-to-get-to-mars_42167.jpg)
