Shrines! Shrines! Surely you don't believe in the gods. What's your argument? Where's your proof?
AristophanesRead
Men of sense often learn from their enemies. It is from their foes, not their friends, that cities learn the lesson of building high walls and ships of war.
Interpretation
What this quote means
We can gain valuable lessons from those who oppose us, as they challenge us to improve and protect ourselves.
This quote by Aristophanes highlights the idea that adversaries can teach us important lessons that we might not learn from our allies. It suggests that the challenges posed by enemies compel us to fortify ourselves and to develop strategies for survival and success, whether in a political context or in personal challenges. By confronting opposition, we can cultivate resilience and wisdom, ultimately becoming stronger and more prepared for future difficulties.
Themes
WisdomEnemiesLearningResilienceAdversityStrength
In practice
Example use cases
In a team meeting, you can use this quote to emphasize the importance of learning from competitors.
More from Aristophanes
All quotes →[Y]ou [man] are fool enough, it seems, to dare to war with [woman=] me, when for your faithful ally you might win me easily.
AristophanesRead
Quickly, bring me a beaker of wine, so that I may wet my mind and say something clever.
AristophanesRead
Open your mouth and shut your eyes and see what Zeus will send you.
AristophanesRead
When men drink, then they are rich and successful and win lawsuits and are happy and help their friends. Quickly, bring me a beaker of wine, so that I may wet my mind and say something clever.
AristophanesRead
These impossible women! How they do get around us! The poet was right: Can't live with them, or without them.
AristophanesRead
Similar quotes
When life is good and we have no problems, we can almost let ourselves believe we have no need for God. But in my experience, sometimes the richest blessings come through pain and hard things.
Anne Graham LotzRead
I do think it’s only by stopping movement that you can see where to go. And it’s only by stepping out of your life and the world that you can see what you most deeply care about… and find a home.
Pico IyerRead
Many highly intelligent people are poor thinkers. Many people of average intelligence are skilled thinkers. The power of a car is separate from the way the car is driven.
Edward De BonoRead
In difficult times carry something beautiful in your heart.
Blaise PascalRead
We tend to disempower ourselves. We tend to believe that we don’t matter. And in the act of taking that idea to ourselves we give everything away to somebody else, to something else.
Terence MckennaRead
The wise stand out because they see themselves as part of the Whole. They shine because they don't want to impress. They achieve great things because they don't look for recognition. Their wisdom is contained in what they are, not their opinions. They refuse to argue, so no-one argues with them.
LaoziRead