---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: They deem him their worst enemy who tells…"
description: "\"“They deem him their worst enemy who tells them the truth. -Plato, philosopher (427-347 BCE)”\" — Plato"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/109/plato-103_and-everything_they-deem-him-their-worst-enemy-who-tell_1394405.jpg"
---

#  They deem him their worst enemy who tells them the truth…

![“They deem him their worst enemy who tells them the truth. -Plato, philosopher (427-347 BCE)” quote by Plato](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/109/plato-103_and-everything_they-deem-him-their-worst-enemy-who-tell_1394405.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/109/plato-103_and-everything_they-deem-him-their-worst-enemy-who-tell_1394405.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/109/plato-103_and-everything_they-deem-him-their-worst-enemy-who-tell_1394405.jpg)

> ““They deem him their worst enemy who tells them the truth. -Plato, philosopher (427-347 BCE)””

[Plato](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/plato/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The most dangerous adversary is one who speaks truth to power, as they threaten entrenched interests.

**In simple terms:** Truth-tellers are seen as enemies by those in power.

Key Takeaway

Speak truth despite opposition.

Themes

politics ethics power truth

Mood

cautious inspirational

Type

philosophical historical

When to use this quote

- political activism
- whistleblowing
- journalism
- academic debate

Key Concepts

courage propaganda authoritarianism moral integrity

Questions to Reflect On

- What risks do truth-tellers face?
- How can societies protect honest voices?

A Different Perspective

Truth can be suppressed by those fearing loss of control.

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