"Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer" - good or bad advice?

Originally posted by chillmeistergen
Well, I wouldn't consider them an enemy unless they've done something worthy of that word. I don't consider them not liking me being worthy of the word, because it really doesn't matter to me if someone doesn't like me, why would it?

Someone who likes you, isn't going to stab you. Or sabotage something of yours.

Originally posted by Quiero Mota
Someone who likes you, isn't going to stab you. Or sabotage something of yours.

Neither's someone who just doesn't like me, like doesn't my personality. There are people I don't like, but I wouldn't wish anything bad on them, or do anything to hurt them. If they do something to harm me, then they become an enemy, before that they're just someone that doesn't like me.

The most beneficient usage of that phrase is to quote The Hoff: "keep your scanner peeled."

this will protect you from the amoral who are not your enemy but Will act as an enemy depending on whether or not they think it will be amusing

Originally posted by Quiero Mota
Someone who likes you, isn't going to stab you. Or sabotage something of yours.

Then it sucks to be me.

Originally posted by Quiero Mota

Its applicable today, otherwise undercover work and espionage wouldn't exist.

That is different though. The phrase, keep your friends close and your enemies closer, does not suggest that you go make enemies just to have enemies to keep close.

I never said it was.

Originally posted by Bardock42
Definitely bad advise. People close to you can stab you.

But they are continent for shanking if they get out of hand, personally, I think 12.7mm of lead going through his head at 850m/s sends a more effective message.

😂

Originally posted by Quiero Mota
I never said it was.

Then, what are undercover cops doing when they befriend a complete stranger that was neither their enemy or friend?

Originally posted by ragesRemorse
Then, what are undercover cops doing when they befriend a complete stranger that was neither their enemy or friend?

You've never read The Art of War, have you? Deceit and subterfuge is a part of this philosophy. The cop may not hate personally the gang, but make no mistake about it, they are enemies. Hate is not required for someone to be considered an enemy.

One philosophy is not the be all and end all of the definition, though. I'd consider it a personal thing who my enemies may be, the idea that you think you can tell me who my enemies are, because you've read a bit of philosophy on it is ridiculous.

someone who goes out of their way to hurt you is a douche bag, not an enemy.

enemy insinuates that you are participating in some t-i-t for tat struggle.

(oh ya, going through the censor, but ya, its a phrase, bitches)

It can be personal.

Personally I prefer to be as far away from my enemies as possible.

Friends can turn into enemies without you even knowing it. Maybe they might be jealous. Maybe they would love to have your girl. Maybe they would like your job. Maybe they would start rumors and deny it all along.

I don't really think jealousy is a trait that warrants them becoming an enemy. I'm jealous of a few of my friends, what does it matter? If they act on it in a malicious way, then yeah, I would consider them an enemy.

Originally posted by Deja~vu
Friends can turn into enemies without you even knowing it. Maybe they might be jealous. Maybe they would love to have your girl. Maybe they would like your job. Maybe they would start rumors and deny it all along.

That's why you have to remove your friends with preemptive surgical strikes.

Yep, and that is where "red flags" come in. Though many times there aren't any warning to what is lurking within someone else..They know your weakness, your faults, you defenses and how you would react. You would trust them with your most inner thoughts and ideas, your worries and suspicions. They would know you so very well and be the last person you would suspect. They would be the ones that you thought were "keeping your back."

Originally posted by Quiero Mota
You've never read The Art of War, have you? Deceit and subterfuge is a part of this philosophy. The cop may not hate personally the gang, but make no mistake about it, they are enemies. Hate is not required for someone to be considered an enemy.

Yes,i have read it, but It's Bullshit. Unless you are involved with the military and have very high rankings, tthis applies to nothing in modern day life.