Enemies have long been a profound source of inspiration and reflection in human history, literature, and philosophy. They challenge us, reveal our strengths and weaknesses, and sometimes teach us more than friends ever could. The following collection presents over 113 most famous quotes​ about enemies, each offering a unique perspective on enmity, conflict, rivalry, and even reconciliation. These quotes span a diverse range of thoughts—from strategic wisdom and caution to forgiveness and understanding. Dive into these powerful lines to explore the complex nature of enemies and what they reveal about human character.

113+ Famous Quotes About Enemies Everyone Needs to Read Now

1. The enemy is anybody who’s going to get you killed, no matter which side he’s on.

2. Enemies are so stimulating.

3. Do not fear when your enemies criticize you. Beware when they applaud you.

4. Love your enemies for they tell you your faults.

5. Am I not destroying my enemies when I make friends of them?

6. Incidentally, it helps to have enemies.

7. If we could read the secret history of our enemies, we should find in each man’s life sorrow and suffering enough to disarm all hostility.

8. Forget your opponents; always play against par.

9. All our foes are mortal.

10. The space in a needle’s eye is sufficient for two friends, but the whole world is scarcely big enough to hold two enemies.

11. The opposition is indispensable. A good statesman learns more from his opposition than from his supporters.

12. Man’s chief enemy and danger is his own unruly nature and the dark forces within him.

13. We have met the enemy, and he is us.

14. I never hated a man enough to give him his diamonds back.

15. I like to have a real enemy to fight. It gives me something to sink my teeth into.

16. Enemies to me are the sauce piquante to my dish of life.

17. An enemy slaughters, a friend distributes.

18. A powerful friend becomes a powerful enemy.

19. An intelligent enemy is better than an ignorant friend.

20. When the cat dies, the mice rejoice.

21. A friend cannot be known in prosperity; an enemy cannot be hidden in adversity.

22. Lifelong enemies are as hard to make and as important as lifelong friends.

23. People wish their enemies dead — but I do not; I say give them the gout, give them the stone!

24. Our enemy is by tradition our savior, preventing us from superficiality.

25. If your enemy turns to flee, give him a silver bridge.

26. There is no little enemy.

27. Be thine enemy an ant, see in him an elephant.

28. Who despises an insignificant enemy resembles one careless about fire.

29. One of the most time-consuming things is to have an enemy.

30. Always forgive your enemies; nothing annoys them so much.

31. Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake.

32. If you have enemies, it means you stood up for something.

33. I’d rather have an enemy who admits that they hate me than a friend who secretly puts me down.

34. The best way to destroy your enemies is to make them adopt your worldview.

35. Don’t be in a hurry to make friends with strangers, as they may be your enemies.

36. Do not inherit enemies you have no quarrels with; it’s a burden you do not wish to add.

37. I like to have powerful enemies. Makes me feel important.

38. Save your skin from the corrosive acids from the mouths of toxic people.

39. You can love a person dear to you with a human love, but an enemy can only be loved with divine love.

40. We are not enemies, but just hostile to each other because of different views and opinions.

41. The enemy wouldn’t be attacking you if something very valuable was inside you.

42. Fear drives two enemies into each other’s arms.

43. The sea is a lonely and hostile place; it is best not to make enemies of those who might be friends.

44. Don’t flatter yourself that friendship authorizes you to say disagreeable things to your intimates.

45. A man with a career can have no time to waste upon his wife and friends; he has to devote it wholly to his enemies.

46. Who can refute a sneer?

47. All who hate you are your teachers.

48. People who love deeply never grow old; they may die of old age, but they die young.

49. Hatred begins to emerge like love, and it is not far from love.

50. Enemies always attend each other’s funerals; it is a way of knowing their fate.

51. Enmity is as much a source of energy as friendship.

52. You have to make an enemy a friend to conquer his or her evil intentions.

53. Don’t underestimate your enemies.

54. Bad guys have only one enemy: the universe; good guys have two: the universe and the bad guys.

55. Michael Brebeuf had long hated Armand but had loved him even longer.

56. When you first realize that somebody doesn’t value your worth, value yourself enough to distance yourself from that person.

57. In L.A., treat everyone as your enemy until proven otherwise, and you’ll never be disappointed.

58. Fear had driven two enemies into each other’s arms and he smiled at that thought.

59. If you aren’t destroying your enemies, it’s because you have been conquered and assimilated.

60. The enemy is laughing at you as you tear yourself to pieces.

61. The only point in having enemies is so you can defeat them, kill them, or brush them aside.

62. Or give them a chance to redeem themselves.

63. Enemies are often former or potential friends who think they have been denied something.

64. Always be gentle to your friends and dangerous to your enemies.

65. Enemies can only be defeated within our own minds first.

66. It struck him that in moments of crisis we fight not an external enemy but our own body and fears.

67. Your worst enemy is your own nervous system.

68. We often create enemies by misunderstanding rather than malice.

69. Never make a foe when a friend can be made.

70. Enemies sharpen your strengths more than friends ever could.

71. The enemy reveals our weaknesses and teaches humility.

72. An enemy is a friend in disguise, testing our mettle.

73. Avoid returning evil for evil; it only multiplies enemies.

74. You cannot shake hands with a clenched fist.

75. Every enemy is a lesson in disguise.

76. To keep your enemies closer is to know their every move.

77. True strength is shown by forgiving your enemies.

78. No man has a good enough memory to be a successful liar or enemy.

79. Our greatest enemy often resides within ourselves.

80. An enemy’s gift is often a trap disguised as kindness.

81. Treat your enemy as a friend and you double your power.

82. Hate your enemy a little less each day.

83. Out of enemies come great stories of victory.

84. The enemy’s weakness is often their arrogance.

85. Enemies teach us the true meaning of patience and resolve.

86. To conquer your enemy, conquer yourself first.

87. A wise man makes more opportunities from his enemies than a fool from his friends.

88. The biggest enemy to creativity is fear.

89. Never fight with an enemy when you can make them your ally.

90. In wars, the weakest enemy is the most dangerous.

91. Silence is often the loudest reply to an enemy.

92. Just because someone is your enemy doesn’t mean they are right.

93. A true enemy tests the courage of your convictions.

94. Do not let your enemies define your self-worth.

95. In every enemy, there lies a hidden opportunity.

96. Some enemies are but teachers in disguise.

97. The greatest victory is over one’s own enemy within.

98. The mark of a strong person is how they treat their enemies.

99. Make peace with your enemies quickly; life is too short for hate.

100. Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer.

101. Your enemy’s defeat is your victory’s beginning.

102. An enemy’s words reveal the truth about themselves.

103. A wise enemy helps you grow stronger.

104. The fire of hatred consumes both enemy and oneself.

105. Every foe is a chance to become wiser.

106. Enemies push you into realms of greatness you might never explore.

107. War with enemies should always be avoided with wisdom.

108. The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance but the illusion of knowledge.

109. A friend who betrays is worse than an open enemy.

110. Your enemy’s actions draw the map for your path.

111. Strengthen your soul to withstand your enemies’ attacks.

112. Let your accomplishments silence your enemies.

113. Hating an enemy gives them power over you.

114. The absence of enemies does not guarantee peace within.

115. The enemy within is often harder to defeat than the one outside.

Conclusion

These 113+ quotes about enemies reveal a rich tapestry of thoughts on conflict, opposition, and human nature. Through these lines, we understand that enemies are not just adversaries but mirrors, challengers, and sometimes even catalysts for growth. Whether viewed with caution, wisdom, or compassion, they play a crucial role in shaping our lives and thoughts. Reflecting on these quotes can help us navigate our relationships, personal battles, and the intricate dance between hostility and friendship.