Never put too much trust in friends, learn to use enemies.
"Be wary of friends they will betray you more quickly, for they are easily aroused to envy. They also become spoiled and aroused to envy. They also become spoiled and tyrannical. But hire a former enemy and he will be more loyal than a friend, because he has more to prove. In fact, you have more to fear from friends than from enemies. If you have no enemies, find a way to make them."
Never put too much trust in friends
This one usually relates hiring a friend. Starting a professional working relationship with a friend can muddy the waters and confuse boundaries. You may discover qualities they have kept hidden. It is also likely they will envy you and hold feelings of ingratitude if you have professional disagreements.
Learn to use enemies
"I destroy my enemies when I make them my friends"
-Abraham Lincoln
- If you recruit an enemy to work for you they are no longer your enemy.
- Your enemies will be more grateful when you provide them an opportunity.
- You will be more alert, sharp and focused when dealing with a former enemy then when dealing with a close friend.
This post is a series. All laws are taken from "The 48 Laws of Power" by Robert Greene.