Slow but steady wins the race.
AesopRead
A doubtful friend is worse than a certain enemy. Let a man be one thing or the other, and we then know how to meet him.
Interpretation
What this quote means
It's better to know where someone stands than to deal with uncertainty in relationships.
This quote by Aesop highlights the importance of having clarity in our relationships, particularly friendships. A friend who is doubtful and uncertain can cause more harm and confusion than an outright enemy, as knowing someone's true stance allows us to navigate our interactions with them more effectively and prepare for the potential outcomes.
Themes
FriendshipTrustCertaintyRelationshipsLoyalty
In practice
Example use cases
During a friendship seminar, you might quote this to emphasize the importance of honesty in relationships.
More from Aesop
All quotes βWe often despise what is most useful to us.
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The haft of the arrow had been feathered with one of the eagle's own Lures. We often give our enemies the means of our own destruction.
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We hang the petty thieves and appoint the great ones to public office.
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If you are a friend, why do you bite me so hard? If an enemy, why do you fawn on me?
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The unhappy derive comfort from the misfortunes of others.
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We spoke of how to say good-bye,β Jem said. βWhen Jonathan bid farewell to David, he said, βGo in peace, for as much as we have sworn, both of us, saying the Lord be between me and thee, forever.β They did not see each other again, but they did not forget. So it will be with us. When I am Brother Zachariah, when I no longer see the world with my human eyes, I will still be in some part the Jem you knew, and I will see you with the eyes of my heart.
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Hard-covered books break up friendships. You loan a hard covered book to a friend and when he doesnβt return it you get mad at him. It makes you mean and petty. But twenty-five cent books are different.
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