Of what use is a philosopher who doesn't hurt anybody's feelings?
DiogenesRead
As a matter of self-preservation, a man needs good friends or ardent enemies, for the former instruct him and the latter take him to task.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Good friends offer guidance, while enemies challenge us, both being crucial for personal growth.
This quote by Diogenes highlights the importance of both friends and enemies in a person's life. Good friends provide support and wisdom, helping an individual grow and learn, while rivals or enemies challenge us, prompting self-reflection and accountability. Together, they play a critical role in shaping one's character and decisions.
Themes
FriendsEnemiesSelf-PreservationGrowthWisdom
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech on personal development, one might use this quote to emphasize the value of diverse relationships.
More from Diogenes
All quotes βThe art of being a slave is to rule one's master.
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I am not an Athenian or a Greek, but a citizen of the world.
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We come into the world alone and we die alone. Why, in life, should we be any less alone?
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All things are in common among friends.
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Man is the most intelligent of the animals - and the most silly.
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The heart may think it knows better: the senses know that absence blots people out. We really have no absent friends. The friend becomes a traitor by breaking, however unwillingly or sadly, out of our own zone: a hard judgment is passed on him, for all the pleas of the heart.
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Go oft to the house of thy friend, for weeds choke the unused path.
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As hard as it is and as tired as I am, I force myself to get dinner at least once a week with my girlfriends, or have a sleepover. Otherwise my life is just work.
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