--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: It is well known to all great men, that…" description: "\"It is well known to all great men, that by conferring an obligation they do not always procure a friend, but are certain of creating many enemies.\" — H..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fd1/henry-fielding-1358_certain_it-is-well-known-to-all-great-men-that-b_77837.png" --- # It is well known to all great men, that by conferring an… ![“It is well known to all great men, that by conferring an obligation they do not always procure a friend, but are certain of creating many enemies.” quote by Henry Fielding](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fd1/henry-fielding-1358_certain_it-is-well-known-to-all-great-men-that-b_77837.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fd1/henry-fielding-1358_certain_it-is-well-known-to-all-great-men-that-b_77837.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fd1/henry-fielding-1358_certain_it-is-well-known-to-all-great-men-that-b_77837.png) > “It is well known to all great men, that by conferring an obligation they do not always procure a friend, but are certain of creating many enemies.” [Henry Fielding](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henry-fielding/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Obligations can alienate; imposing duties may generate hostility rather than friendship. **In simple terms:** Obligations often breed enemies. Key Takeaway Be cautious when imposing duties. Themes power dynamics social relationships trust authority conflict Mood cautious reflective skeptical Type maxim observation When to use this quote - negotiating contracts - political alliances - leadership decisions - team management Key Concepts obligation friendship enemy great men Practical Applications - risk assessment in agreements - strategic communication Questions to Reflect On - When might an obligation be necessary despite risks? - How can one mitigate enmity when imposing duties? ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Certain](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/certain/) [Conferring Obligation](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/conferring-obligation-1002872/) [Creating](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/creating/) [Creating Enemies](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/creating-enemies-929258/) [Enemies](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/enemies/) [Enemy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/enemy/) [Friendship](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/friendship/) [Great men](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/great-men/) [Known](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/known/) [Men](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/men/) [Men Conferring](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/men-conferring-1002871/) [Obligation](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/obligation/) [Well known](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/well-known/) [Wells](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wells/) ## Related quotes > [“I turned to Grey again. “The point is, killing someone is almost never the smart move, long term. 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