Does anyone agree with the term,"Keep your friends close, but keep your enemies closer?"?

Answer 1

This is one of those sayings that is overused. It's just a movie quote (The Godfather), and doesn't really mean anything significant if you are not a member of the mafia, or just a good actor playing one. It has worked itself into popular usage, and people look for excuses to use it.

For example, the idea works well on a basic level in certain historical situations. Take Abraham Lincoln, for example, who chose some of his biggest rivals to be in his cabinet, including William Seward and Salmon Chase. Some amateur historians have used the saying in question to apply to this situation. However, Lincoln really did this because he knew them to be able men, and not because he wanted to keep an eye on them. So the saying does not really apply. I think it is examples like this that people misinterpret, and then mistakenly apply the saying.

In answer to your question, I do not agree with the saying at all. The truth is that the closer you keep your enemies, the easier it is for them to stab you in the back. I do not advise it.

Answer 2

It's more of a political statement. In other words, keep your friends close yes, but you always want to know what your enemies are up to, hence, "keep your enemies closer"

Answer 3

I agree to a certain extent. At some point in life everyone will have at least one enemy. That's a sad way to live your life though. I'd much rather keep my friends close and have no enemies!

Answer 4

Nope. While keeping enemies close means I can watch them and see what they're planning, that also means my enemies can do the same with me. Besides, clever folk can hide their real plans and intentions despite being close.

Friends should be kept close because they more they know about you, then the more they can help you. But enemies are just too annoying to bring close to you.

Answer 5

Absolutely! People don't even realise when they are jealous of you, especially if they think of you as their friend. It's the third most destructive of those hideous, irrational things we call emotions. An enemy has something to prove despite all of her attempts to trip you up; therefore, she'll be on her best behaviour. Much to your advantage, she will keep you always on your toes. As you see, there <> a thin line between love and hate.

Answer 6

yes! I agree with the statement. Friends do not always tell you what wrong you are doing. They want to please you in all the actions you have taken but enemies are different. They will point out immediately what is wrong with us and of course it will give us the chance to think again on our decisions in other point of view . This will of course lead us to decide a balanced and more practical decisions. as each action we take has both positive and negative side. We must count them give preferance to that which is more beneficial to the society.

Answer 7

It depends on the context but I am assuming a personal context. I think that if someone were to treat me so poorly that I considered them an "enemy", I would not want that person in my life. I think that I would go out of my way to prevent them from interfering with my happiness and distracting me from doing things that a good and positive.
I think that I would rather have a healthy boundary between myself and anyone that could be considered an "enemy". I would draw close to myself people who are supportive - "my friends".
By the way, I don't consider people who challenge me in non-hurtful ways to better myself to be enemies. Enemies are those people who purposely seek to hurt me in order to gain something for themselves.

Answer 8

I sure do..Keeping your enemies close gives you a better chance at knowing what they are doing..

Answer 9

Absolutely.. Always keep your enemies right where you can see/hear them so they can't stab you in the back. And here's something else to remember to tell them
"If you dig a hole for me, be sure to dig two;
because when you've finished mine, you'll need one for you." (Or, what goes around, comes around).
Another one: love your enemies. It will drive them nuts!

Answer 10

This is very good advice! It never hurts to know what your enemies are thinking. Better advice would be; do all you can to ensure you have no enemies! Treat others as you yourself would like to be treated. :o)