Skip to content

Accepted Quote by William C. Dietz

“Fifty or sixty shooters had already arrived and managed to look studiously bored. I knew a few of them and nodded politely. No one asked me to sit next to them, nor would I have accepted if they had. It's better that way, in case you end up on opposite sides of a fight, and a whole lot safer…” quote by William C. Dietz
Download Open image
“Fifty or sixty shooters had already arrived and managed to look studiously bored. I knew a few of them and nodded politely. No one asked me to sit next to them, nor would I have accepted if they had. It's better that way, in case you end up on opposite sides of a fight, and a whole lot safer. Friends can betray you. Strangers can't.”

William C. Dietz

About This Quote

Describes arriving at a gathering of armed individuals, choosing to keep distance to avoid conflict, emphasizing that strangers are safer than friends in hostile settings.

In simple terms: He stays distant from armed acquaintances for safety.

Key Takeaway

Strangers may be more reliable than friends in dangerous contexts.

Themes

trust danger social dynamics survival

Mood

cautious skeptical

Type

narrative observation

When to use this quote

  • conflict zones
  • security briefings
  • team‑building exercises

Key Concepts

risk assessment

Practical Applications

  • maintaining professional detachment
  • training on situational awareness

Questions to Reflect On

  • When is distance more protective than camaraderie?
  • How can trust be built without compromising safety?
A Different Perspective

Complete distrust can erode cooperation needed for collective safety.

3.9 out of 5 (10 ratings)

More by William C. Dietz

Explore all 4 William C. Dietz quotes

More Accepted quotes

Browse all 2,128 Accepted quotes