Lord, protect me from my friends; I can take care of my enemies.
Interpretation
The quote suggests that friends can sometimes be more dangerous than enemies due to betrayal or deceit.
This quote by Robert Greene highlights the complex dynamics of relationships, emphasizing that those close to us, often our friends, can pose greater risks than our enemies. While we may expect loyalty and support from friends, their potential to cause harm through betrayal or manipulation can be surprisingly destructive, leading to the realization that one must be vigilant, even among allies.
In practice
This quote can be used in a motivational speech addressing trust in relationships.
In a society where the roles everyone plays are obvious, the refusal to conform to any standard will excite interest. Be both masculine and feminine, impudent and charming, subtle and outrageous. Let other people worry about being socially acceptable; those types are a dime a dozen, and you are after a power greater than they can imagine.
When you are trying to impress people with words, the more you say, the more common you appear, and the less in control. Even if you are saying something banal, it will seem original if you make it vague, open-ended, and sphinxlike.
The moment people feel they know what to expect from you, your spell on them is broken. More: You have ceded them power.
The future belongs to those who learn more skills and combine them in creative ways.
The Nihilistic Troll might pretend to be acting in the service of some cause or leader, but don't be fooled. The cause and their supposedly strong convictions are simply a way to justify and provide cover for their abusive behavior.
Only create associations with positive affinities. Make this a rule of life and you will benefit more than from all the therapy in the world.
Eye contact was a delicate matter. A quarter second of a shared glance was a violation of agreements that made the city operational.
A little more than kin, and less than kind.
Sure, on a larger scale, it was healthy to have people out there you cared about more than yourself. She knew that. But then there was the abject fear you would lose it. They say possessions own you. Not so. Loved ones own you. You are forever held hostage once you care so much.
For me, relationships are the real action movies. Bombs are exploding every day and the kitchen is Ground Zero.
Please be polite. Nothing in life should erode the habit of saying thank you to people or praising them.
Forgivness is letting go of the hope that the past can be changed
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