Achilles Quote by Homer
“Achilles glared at him and answered, "Fool, prate not to me about covenants. There can be no covenants between men and lions, wolves and lambs can never be of one mind, but hate each other out and out an through. Therefore there can be no understanding between you and me, nor may there be any covenants between us, till one or other shall fall”
About This Quote
Source Epic: Iliad, Book 12, attributed to Homer, 8th century BC
A warrior declares that alliances between opposing forces are impossible, emphasizing inherent conflict.
In simple terms: Alliances between enemies are impossible.
Key Takeaway
Recognize natural oppositions.
Themes
conflict
loyalty
power
nature
Mood
tragic
reflective
Type
mythic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- military strategy
- diplomacy
- interpersonal disputes
Key Concepts
political theory
animal symbolism
war ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- When can enemies cooperate?
- What drives perpetual conflict?
A Different Perspective
Oversimplifies complex relationships.
![“My friend Patroclus, whom I loved, is dead. I loved him more than any other comrade. I loved him like my head, my life, myself. I lost him, killed him. [. . .] . . .my Patroclus, son of Menoetius.” quote by Homer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/423/homer-357_achilles_my-friend-patroclus-whom-i-loved-is-dead_557116.jpg)
