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 →We 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.
AesopRead
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.
AesopRead
Similar quotes
Those were happier days, when there was still close friendship at times between folk of different race, even between Dwarves and Elves.' It was not the fault of the Dwarves that the friendship waned,' said Gimli. I have not heard that it was the fault of the Elves,' said Legolas. I have heard both,' said Gandalf[.]
J. R. R. TolkienRead
ANTIPATHY, n. The sentiment inspired by one's friend's friend.
Ambrose BierceRead
If you would keep your secret from an enemy, tell it not to a friend.
Benjamin FranklinRead
A real friend does not pick up the bill for an addict’s drugs: he packs the friend off to rehab instead. Today, only those who speak up against Israel’s policies – who denounce the occupation, the blockade, and the war – are the nation’s true friends.
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only kindness that raises its head from the crowd of the world to say it is I you have been looking for, and then goes with you everywhere like a shadow or a friend.
Naomi Shihab NyeRead
A friend who cannot at a pinch remember a thing or two that never happened is as bad as one who does not know how to forget.
Samuel ButlerRead