Slow but steady wins the race.
AesopRead
A doubtful friend is worse than a certain enemy. Let a man be one thing or the other, and we then know how to meet him.
Interpretation
What this quote means
It's better to know where someone stands than to deal with uncertainty in relationships.
This quote by Aesop highlights the importance of having clarity in our relationships, particularly friendships. A friend who is doubtful and uncertain can cause more harm and confusion than an outright enemy, as knowing someone's true stance allows us to navigate our interactions with them more effectively and prepare for the potential outcomes.
Themes
FriendshipTrustCertaintyRelationshipsLoyalty
In practice
Example use cases
During a friendship seminar, you might quote this to emphasize the importance of honesty in relationships.
More from Aesop
All quotes βWe often despise what is most useful to us.
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The haft of the arrow had been feathered with one of the eagle's own Lures. We often give our enemies the means of our own destruction.
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We hang the petty thieves and appoint the great ones to public office.
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If you are a friend, why do you bite me so hard? If an enemy, why do you fawn on me?
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The unhappy derive comfort from the misfortunes of others.
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But sometimes it's like you just meet someone and you just know that you're totally connected, and this person is, like, your brother - or your sister. Even if they don't, like, recognize it, you feel it. And in a lot of ways it don't matter if they do or they don't see that for what it is - all you can do is put the feeling out there. That's your duty. Then you just wait and see what comes back to you. That's the deal.
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I never had intimate friends, and the few who came close are in New York. By which I mean they're dead, because that's where I suppose condemned souls go in order not to endure the truth of their past lives.
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An enemy to whom you show kindness becomes your friend, excepting lust, the indulgence of which increases its enmity.
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Thorns may hurt you, men desert you, sunlight turn to fog; but you're never friendless ever, if you have a dog.
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Oh, if I had had a friend at this moment, a friend in an attic room, dreaming by candlelight and with a violin lying ready at his hand! How I should have slipped up to him in his quiet hour, noiselessly climbing the winding stair to take him by surprise, and then with talk and music we should have held heavenly festival throughout the night!
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I thought I had friends but in the end n*iggaz dies lonely.
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