Skip to content

Enemy Quote by Chanakya

“Till the enemy's weakness is known , he should be kept on friendly terms.” quote by Chanakya
Download Open image
“Till the enemy's weakness is known , he should be kept on friendly terms.”

Chanakya

About This Quote

Source Treat: Arthashastra, 3rd century BCE

Maintain friendly relations with an opponent until you understand their weakness.

In simple terms: Stay friendly until you know their flaw.

Key Takeaway

Use diplomacy to gather intelligence.

Themes

strategy diplomacy intelligence gathering

Mood

cautious strategic

Type

political philosophical

When to use this quote

  • negotiations
  • conflict resolution
  • business competition
  • security analysis

Key Concepts

political science military tactics psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • When is it wise to shift from friendly to confrontational?
  • How do you protect trust while probing weaknesses?
A Different Perspective

Friendliness may be misinterpreted as weakness.

3.4 out of 5 (7 ratings)

More by Chanakya

Explore all 220 Chanakya quotes

More Enemy quotes

Browse all 7,111 Enemy quotes