I destroy my enemies when I make them my friends.
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No known source from Lincoln; previously attributed to Sigismund
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Do I not effectually destroy my enemies, in making them my friends?
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Sigismund as quoted in The Sociable Story-teller (1846).Abraham Lincoln
» Abraham Lincoln - all quotes »
„Why, madam,“ Lincoln replied, „do I not destroy my enemies when I make them my friends?“
Abraham Lincoln
We ought so to behave to one another as to avoid making enemies of our friends, and at the same time to make friends of our enemies.
Pythagoras
You dislike the emancipation proclamation; and, perhaps, would have it retracted. You say it is unconstitutional---I think differently. I think the constitution invests its commander-in-chief, with the law of war, in time of war. The most that can be said, if so much, is, that slaves are property. Is there---has there ever been---any question that by the law of war, property, both of enemies and friends, may be taken when needed? And is it not needed whenever taking it, helps us, or hurts the enemy? Armies, the world over, destroy enemies' property when they can not use it; and even destroy their own to keep it from the enemy. Civilized belligerents do all in their power to help themselves, or hurt the enemy, except a few things regarded as barbarous or cruel. Among the exceptions are the massacre of vanquished foes, and non-combatants, male and female.
Abraham Lincoln
Worse than thieves, murderers, or cannibals, those who offer compromise slow you and sap your vitality while pretending to be your friends. They are not your friends. Compromisers are the enemies of all humanity, the enemies of life itself. Compromisers are the enemies of everything important, sacred, and true.
L. Neil Smith
I have no trouble with my enemies. I can take care of my enemies all right. But my damn friends, my god-damned friends, White, they're the ones who keep me walking the floor nights!
Warren G. Harding
Lincoln, Abraham
Lindbergh, Anne Morrow
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