Enemy Quote by Marcus Tullius Cicero
“Let our friends perish, provided that our enemies fall at the same time.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: De Re Publica, c. 54 BC
Prioritizing the defeat of enemies over the survival of allies reflects a ruthless, win‑at‑all‑cost mindset.
In simple terms: Winning over caring for friends.
Key Takeaway
Choose compassion over vengeance.
Themes
politics
ethics
loyalty
Mood
cynical
strategic
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- war
- political negotiations
- personal relationships
Key Concepts
realpolitik
moral calculus
Questions to Reflect On
- Is victory worth sacrificing allies?
- How does this view affect personal integrity?
A Different Perspective
Such a stance can erode trust and long‑term alliances.
![“Things sacred should not only be touched with the hands, but unviolated in thought. [Lat., Res sacros non modo manibus attingi, sed ne cogitatione quidem violari fas fuit.]” quote by Marcus Tullius Cicero](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/deb/marcus-tullius-cicero-157_hands_things-sacred-should-not-only-be-touched_11960.jpg)
