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Enemy Quote by Charles Caleb Colton

“An act by which we make one friend and one enemy is a losing game; because revenge is a much stronger principle than gratitude” quote by Charles Caleb Colton
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“An act by which we make one friend and one enemy is a losing game; because revenge is a much stronger principle than gratitude”

Charles Caleb Colton

About This Quote

Source Essay: Miscellanies, 1820

Forming a friend and an enemy simultaneously is a losing strategy; revenge outweighs gratitude.

In simple terms: Making friends and enemies together leads to loss; revenge is stronger than gratitude.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate gratitude and avoid revenge-driven actions.

Themes

relationships ethics conflict

Mood

reflective cautionary

Type

ethical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal relationships
  • political alliances
  • business negotiations

Key Concepts

reciprocity revenge gratitude social dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

  • When have you chosen revenge over gratitude?
  • How can you transform rivalry into cooperation?
A Different Perspective

Revenge can perpetuate cycles of hostility.

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