--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: We have treated our most serious…" description: "\"We have treated our most serious adversaries, such as Iran and North Korea, in the most juvenile manner - by giving them the silent treatment. In so do..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ddb/theodore-c-sorensen-22160_adversaries_we-have-treated-our-most-serious-adversa_2637118.jpg" --- # We have treated our most serious adversaries, such as Iran… ![“We have treated our most serious adversaries, such as Iran and North Korea, in the most juvenile manner - by giving them the silent treatment. In so doing, we have weakened, not strengthened, our bargaining position and our leadership.” quote by Theodore C. Sorensen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ddb/theodore-c-sorensen-22160_adversaries_we-have-treated-our-most-serious-adversa_2637118.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ddb/theodore-c-sorensen-22160_adversaries_we-have-treated-our-most-serious-adversa_2637118.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ddb/theodore-c-sorensen-22160_adversaries_we-have-treated-our-most-serious-adversa_2637118.jpg) > “We have treated our most serious adversaries, such as Iran and North Korea, in the most juvenile manner - by giving them the silent treatment. In so doing, we have weakened, not strengthened, our bargaining position and our leadership.” [Theodore C. Sorensen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/theodore-c-sorensen/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Treating hostile nations with silence weakens diplomatic leverage and leadership credibility. **In simple terms:** Silent treatment harms negotiation power. Key Takeaway Engage diplomatically, not ignore. Themes diplomacy power communication Mood cautious analytical Type political strategic When to use this quote - foreign policy - conflict resolution - leadership meetings Key Concepts strategic silence negotiation tactics Questions to Reflect On - When is silence appropriate? - How can dialogue be restored? A Different Perspective Silence can be a tactical tool if used wisely. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Adversaries](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/adversaries/) [Giving](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/giving/) [Iran](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/iran/) [Juvenile](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/juvenile/) [Korea](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/korea/) [Leadership](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/leadership/) [North korea](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/north-korea/) [Silent treatment](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/silent-treatment/) [Treatment](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/treatment/) ## Related quotes > [“He threw his hands up. “What the hell is going on?” “Nothing—” “That’s bullshit, and you know it.” He took a deep breath, clearly trying to rein in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/penny-reid/he-threw-his-hands-up-what-the-hell-is-going-on-nothing-that-s/) [Penny Reid](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/penny-reid/) > [My wife is angry with me and she is giving me the Silent Treatment. I don't know what I did, but I need to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/green-monk/my-wife-is-angry-with-me-and-she-is-giving-me-the-silent-treatment-i/) [Green Monk](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/green-monk/) > [“So yeah. Jesse Walker was giving me the silent treatment. I was probably the only person who could claim that honor.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nicole-williams/so-yeah-jesse-walker-was-giving-me-the-silent-treatment-i-was/) [Nicole Williams](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nicole-williams/) > [She is currently giving me silent treatment just because I didn't write happy birthday on her Facebook wall. Like I give a shit.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/don-kel/she-is-currently-giving-me-silent-treatment-just-because-i-didn-t/) [Don Kel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/don-kel/) > [“PUNISHMENT if you plan on giving someone the silent treatment, make sure they give a fuck about what you have to say”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gabbie-hanna/punishment-if-you-plan-on-giving-someone-the-silent-treatment-make/) [Gabbie Hanna](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gabbie-hanna/) > [The worst expression of the Prophet’s (Sallallahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam) anger towards his wife was that he would remain silent.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nouman-ali-khan/the-worst-expression-of-the-prophet-s-sallallahu-alayhi-wa-sallam/) [Nouman Ali Khan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nouman-ali-khan/) > [“He’d sort of expected the silent treatment. Maybe she wasn’t pissed after all. “Hey, baby, where are you?” “Why the fuck do you care?”…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/suzanne-wright/he-d-sort-of-expected-the-silent-treatment-maybe-she-wasn-t-pissed/) [Suzanne Wright](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/suzanne-wright/) > [“For me, family means the silent treatment. At any given moment, someone is always not speaking to someone else.' Really,' I said. We're passive-aggressive…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sarah-dessen/for-me-family-means-the-silent-treatment-at-any-given-moment-someone/) [Sarah Dessen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sarah-dessen/) > [Created a word game to play with a person you're fighting with. Silent Treatment. Nothing happens until one of you quietly says, Hey, you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dane-cook/created-a-word-game-to-play-with-a-person-you-re-fighting-with-silent/) [Dane Cook](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dane-cook/) > [“The list of correlations to that night is as long as the Jersey coast. And so is the list of reasons I shouldn't be…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anna-banks/the-list-of-correlations-to-that-night-is-as-long-as-the-jersey-coast/) [Anna Banks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anna-banks/) > [On those days when we're not ready to stop being offended, not ready to forgive, still determined to dish out the silent treatment, what…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sheri-l-dew/on-those-days-when-we-re-not-ready-to-stop-being-offended-not-ready/) [Sheri L. Dew](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sheri-l-dew/) > [Haha I knew the silent treatment was going to work on your ass! you didnt even last a day!! haha anyways I got what…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/patience/haha-i-knew-the-silent-treatment-was-going-to-work-on-your-ass-you/) Patience > [“When Alex leaves a little later, Carlos steps forward. “Need help?” I shake my head. “Are you ever gonna talk to me again? Dammit,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/simone-elkeles/when-alex-leaves-a-little-later-carlos-steps-forward-need-help-i/) [Simone Elkeles](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/simone-elkeles/) > [“Dr. Susan Forward has written extensively in this area and lists the types of toxic personalities.   The verbal abusers demoralize and diminish another…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/c-b-brooks/dr-susan-forward-has-written-extensively-in-this-area-and-lists-the/) C.B. Brooks > [“wen thectaste of my own medicine is given to me results into silent treatment,its not bitter therefore i enjoy the medicine i gave you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mohlalefi-j-motsima/wen-thectaste-of-my-own-medicine-is-given-to-me-results-into-silent/) [mohlalefi j motsima](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mohlalefi-j-motsima/) ## More by Theodore C. Sorensen > [If we can but tear the blindfold of self-deception from our eyes and loosen the gag of self-denial from our voices, we can restore…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/theodore-c-sorensen/if-we-can-but-tear-the-blindfold-of-self-deception-from-our-eyes-and/) [Theodore C. Sorensen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/theodore-c-sorensen/) > [I'm simply saying that there are advantages in sending a skilled diplomat who can always say, 'I'll get back to you on that, Mr.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/theodore-c-sorensen/i-m-simply-saying-that-there-are-advantages-in-sending-a-skilled/) [Theodore C. Sorensen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/theodore-c-sorensen/) > [We have convinced over one billlion members of the Islamic faith that we are prejudiced against their religion, that we would deny them freedom…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/theodore-c-sorensen/we-have-convinced-over-one-billlion-members-of-the-islamic-faith-that/) [Theodore C. Sorensen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/theodore-c-sorensen/) > [Our surest protection against assault from abroad has been not all our guards, gates and guns, or even our two oceans, but our essential…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/theodore-c-sorensen/our-surest-protection-against-assault-from-abroad-has-been-not-all/) [Theodore C. Sorensen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/theodore-c-sorensen/) > [The ambassador was never present, but his presence was never absent.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/theodore-c-sorensen/the-ambassador-was-never-present-but-his-presence-was-never-absent/) [Theodore C. Sorensen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/theodore-c-sorensen/) > [We need not renounce the use of conventional force. We will be ready to repel any clear and present danger that poses a genuine…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/theodore-c-sorensen/we-need-not-renounce-the-use-of-conventional-force-we-will-be-ready/) [Theodore C. Sorensen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/theodore-c-sorensen/) > [Public opinion rarely considers the needs of the next generation or the history of the last. It is frequently hampered by myths and misinformation,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/theodore-c-sorensen/public-opinion-rarely-considers-the-needs-of-the-next-generation-or/) [Theodore C. Sorensen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/theodore-c-sorensen/) > [I came from Nebraska, a very middle class family with a progressive father.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/theodore-c-sorensen/i-came-from-nebraska-a-very-middle-class-family-with-a-progressive/) [Theodore C. Sorensen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/theodore-c-sorensen/) > [Number one, that it is smart to communicate and negotiate with your enemy instead of just waging war with bombs and weapons of mass…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/theodore-c-sorensen/number-one-that-it-is-smart-to-communicate-and-negotiate-with-your/) [Theodore C. Sorensen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/theodore-c-sorensen/) > [We will be safer from terrorist attack only when we have earned the respect of all other nations instead of their fear, respect for…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/theodore-c-sorensen/we-will-be-safer-from-terrorist-attack-only-when-we-have-earned-the/) [Theodore C. Sorensen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/theodore-c-sorensen/) > [I believe in an America in which the fruits of productivity and prosperity are shared by all, by workers as well as owners, by…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/theodore-c-sorensen/i-believe-in-an-america-in-which-the-fruits-of-productivity-and/) [Theodore C. Sorensen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/theodore-c-sorensen/) > [With the help of dedicated Americans from our party, every party, and no party at all, I intend to mount that stairway to preach…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/theodore-c-sorensen/with-the-help-of-dedicated-americans-from-our-party-every-party-and/) [Theodore C. Sorensen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/theodore-c-sorensen/) > [Al Gore is not just whistling in the wind. Global warming is for real. Every scientist knows that now, and we are on our…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/theodore-c-sorensen/al-gore-is-not-just-whistling-in-the-wind-global-warming-is-for-real/) [Theodore C. Sorensen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/theodore-c-sorensen/) > [We will always apply the same principles of collective security, prudent caution, and superior weaponry that enabled us to peacefully prevail in the long…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/theodore-c-sorensen/we-will-always-apply-the-same-principles-of-collective-security/) [Theodore C. Sorensen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/theodore-c-sorensen/) > [Now people all across America are starting to believe in America again. We are coming back, back to the heights of greatness, back to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/theodore-c-sorensen/now-people-all-across-america-are-starting-to-believe-in-america/) [Theodore C. Sorensen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/theodore-c-sorensen/) [Explore all 28 Theodore C. Sorensen quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/theodore-c-sorensen/) ## More Adversaries quotes > [In all matters of opinion, our adversaries are insane.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oscar-wilde/in-all-matters-of-opinion-our-adversaries-are-insane/) [Oscar Wilde](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oscar-wilde/) > [Inanimate objects are sometimes parties to litigation. A ship has a legal personality, a fiction found useful for maritime purposes. The corporation sole -…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-o-douglas/inanimate-objects-are-sometimes-parties-to-litigation-a-ship-has-a/) [William O. Douglas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-o-douglas/) > [There were various aspects of Sun Tzu's approach that appealed to Ho Chi Minh: a) to learn to understand both the enemy and yourself,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-j-duiker/there-were-various-aspects-of-sun-tzu-s-approach-that-appealed-to-ho/) [William J. Duiker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-j-duiker/) > [Marriage, in my view, should be a balanced stalemate between equal adversaries.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/marriage-in-my-view-should-be-a-balanced-stalemate-between-equal/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [If an adversary didn't target our power plants but they did target the core routers, the backbones that tie our internet connections together, entire…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-snowden/if-an-adversary-didn-t-target-our-power-plants-but-they-did-target/) [Edward Snowden](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-snowden/) > [It's like I'm married to the silencer, Until I file for divorce and release my ex-calibers. Do art with your arteries, place that for…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pharoahe-monch/it-s-like-i-m-married-to-the-silencer-until-i-file-for-divorce-and/) [Pharoahe Monch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pharoahe-monch/) > [Educational exchange can turn nations into people, contributing as no other form of communication can to the humanizing of international relations. Man's capacity for…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-william-fulbright/educational-exchange-can-turn-nations-into-people-contributing-as-no/) [J. William Fulbright](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-william-fulbright/) > [Obama is hardly the first president to seek rapprochement with our adversaries and reconciliation with our enemies, of course. But his determination to make…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-f-hayes/obama-is-hardly-the-first-president-to-seek-rapprochement-with-our/) [Stephen F. Hayes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-f-hayes/) > [It is better to make friends than adversaries of a conquered race.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/benjamin-haydon/it-is-better-to-make-friends-than-adversaries-of-a-conquered-race/) [Benjamin Haydon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/benjamin-haydon/) > [“The most courageous act in politics is to try to understand your opponent.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alain-de-botton/the-most-courageous-act-in-politics-is-to-try-to-understand-your/) [Alain de Botton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alain-de-botton/) > [My adversary is the world of finance.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/francois-hollande/my-adversary-is-the-world-of-finance/) [Francois Hollande](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/francois-hollande/) > [Often GOP political strategy seems like the human wave theory of the Chinese military translated to politics. Where Beijing uses masses of soldiers to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dick-morris/often-gop-political-strategy-seems-like-the-human-wave-theory-of-the/) [Dick Morris](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dick-morris/) > [Our ability to fall in love requires enough comfort with our masculinity to join it with someone's femininity and feel enhanced. .. . If…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frank-pittman/our-ability-to-fall-in-love-requires-enough-comfort-with-our/) [Frank Pittman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frank-pittman/) > [You negotiate in bad faith if you do not forgive your adversary.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nelson-mandela/you-negotiate-in-bad-faith-if-you-do-not-forgive-your-adversary/) [Nelson Mandela](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nelson-mandela/) > [We should seek after spiritual gifts. They can lead us to God. They can shield us from the power of the adversary. They can…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dallin-h-oaks/we-should-seek-after-spiritual-gifts-they-can-lead-us-to-god-they-can/) [Dallin H. Oaks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dallin-h-oaks/) [Browse all 446 Adversaries quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/adversaries/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "We have treated our most serious adversaries, such as Iran and North Korea, in the most juvenile manner - by giving them the silent treatment. In so doing, we have weakened, not strengthened, our bargaining position and our leadership.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Theodore C. 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