Adversary Quotes

First, you know, a new theory is attacked as absurd; then it is admitted to be true, but obvious and insignificant; finally it is seen to be so important that its adversaries claim that they themselves discovered it.

The art of leadership. . .consists in consolidating the attention of the people against a single adversary and taking care that nothing will split up that attention… The leader of genius must have the ability to make different opponents appear as if they belong to one category.

Treating your adversary with respect is giving him an advantage to which he is not entitled.

(A farmer), before sunrise on a cold and misty morning, saw a huge beast on a distant hill. He seized his rifle and walked cautiously toward the ogre to head off an attack on his family. When he got nearer, he was relieved to find that the beast was only a small bear. He approached […]

And do as adversaries do in law, strive mightily, but eat and drink as friends. (The Taming of the Shrew)

I have only made but one prayer in my life: “O Lord, make my enemies ridiculous.” And God granted it.

When a man voluntarily engages in an important controversy, he is to do all he can to lessen his antagonist, because authority from personal respect has much weight with most people, and often more than reasoning. A man cannot be too careful in the choice of his enemies.

In all matters of opinion, our adversaries are insane.

But I think the spirit of man is a good adversary.

Tell the truth, and so puzzle and confound your adversaries.