Advantage Quote by Samuel Johnson
“Treating your adversary with respect is giving him an advantage to which he is not entitled.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Idler, 1759
Respecting an opponent can unintentionally empower them beyond fairness.
In simple terms: Respect can give unfair advantage.
Key Takeaway
Beware of empowering foes.
Themes
ethics
strategy
power dynamics
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political debate
- business negotiations
- sports competitions
- legal disputes
Key Concepts
fairness
psychology
conflict resolution
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance respect with self‑protection?
- When is it strategic to with respect?
A Different Perspective
Respect may be exploited by cunning opponents.
![“Next came the Patent laws. These began in England in 1624; and, in this country, with the adoption of our constitution. Before then [these?], any man might instantly use what another had invented; so that the inventor had no special advantage from his own invention. The patent system changed this…” quote by Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/449/abraham-lincoln-88_adoption_next-came-the-patent-laws-these-began-in_1828.jpg)
