--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: If a cause be good, the most violent…" description: "\"If a cause be good, the most violent attack of its enemies will not injure it so much as an injudicious defence of it by its friends.\" — Charles Caleb ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e47/charles-caleb-colton-270_be-good_if-a-cause-be-good-the-most-violent-atta_811438.png" --- # If a cause be good, the most violent attack of its enemies… ![“If a cause be good, the most violent attack of its enemies will not injure it so much as an injudicious defence of it by its friends.” quote by Charles Caleb Colton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e47/charles-caleb-colton-270_be-good_if-a-cause-be-good-the-most-violent-atta_811438.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e47/charles-caleb-colton-270_be-good_if-a-cause-be-good-the-most-violent-atta_811438.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e47/charles-caleb-colton-270_be-good_if-a-cause-be-good-the-most-violent-atta_811438.png) > “If a cause be good, the most violent attack of its enemies will not injure it so much as an injudicious defence of it by its friends.” [Charles Caleb Colton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-caleb-colton/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. A good cause cannot be harmed by enemy attacks, but by misguided support from its own allies. **In simple terms:** Friends can damage a good cause more than enemies. Key Takeaway Guard against overzealous defense. Themes politics ethics loyalty Mood reflective cautious Type advisory philosophical When to use this quote - activism - policy debates - social movements - friendship Key Concepts misguided defense self sabotage Questions to Reflect On - How can supporters help without overstepping? - What checks prevent defensive overreach? A Different Perspective Even well‑meaning allies can unintentionally undermine a cause. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Controversy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/controversy/) [Defence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/defence/) [Discretion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/discretion/) [Enemy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/enemy/) [Violent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/violent/) ## Related quotes > [I was the victim of a violent attack in March 2008. 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