Famous quote by Arthur Balfour

Mobile Desktop
Biography should be written by an acute enemy
Like

"Biography should be written by an acute enemy"

- Arthur Balfour

About this Quote

In this quote, Arthur Balfour suggests that the most precise and insightful biography must be composed by someone who is considered an "intense opponent" of the subject. This implies that the person composing the bio must have a deep understanding and knowledge of the topic, however also have a crucial and impartial point of view. Balfour thinks that a real opponent would have the ability to see and expose the flaws and weak points of the subject, offering a more well-rounded and truthful representation. This quote highlights the value of objectivity and thoroughness in biographical writing, and challenges the concept that just a good friend or admirer can accurately portray an individual's life.

About the Author

Arthur Balfour This quote is written / told by Arthur Balfour between July 25, 1848 and March 19, 1930. He was a famous Statesman from United Kingdom. The author also have 7 other quotes.

Go to author profile

Similar Quotes

Small: Concentrated power has always been the enemy of liberty - Ronald Reagan
Ronald Reagan
"Concentrated power has always been the enemy of liberty"
Ronald Reagan, President
Small: Time is the friend of the wonderful company, the enemy of the mediocre - Warren Buffett
Warren Buffett
"Time is the friend of the wonderful company, the enemy of the mediocre"
Warren Buffett, Businessman
Small: The best weapon against an enemy is another enemy - Friedrich Nietzsche
Friedrich Nietzsche
"The best weapon against an enemy is another enemy"
Friedrich Nietzsche, Philosopher
Small: The chief enemy of creativity is good sense - Pablo Picasso
Pablo Picasso
"The chief enemy of creativity is "good" sense"
Pablo Picasso, Artist
Small: In order to rally people, governments need enemies... if they do not have a real enemy, they will invent one i
Nhat Hanh
"In order to rally people, governments need enemies... if they do not have a real enemy, they will invent one in order to mobilize us"
Nhat Hanh, Activist
Small: You can learn from anyone even your enemy - Ovid
Ovid
"You can learn from anyone even your enemy"
Ovid, Poet
Small: Man has no greater enemy than himself - Petrarch
"Man has no greater enemy than himself"
Petrarch, Poet
Small: Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake - Napoleon Bonaparte
Napoleon Bonaparte
"Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake"
Napoleon Bonaparte, Leader
Small: Secrecy is the enemy of efficiency, but dont let anyone know it - Ric Ocasek
"Secrecy is the enemy of efficiency, but don't let anyone know it"
Ric Ocasek, Musician
Small: Go up close to your friend, but do not go over to him! We should also respect the enemy in our friend - Friedr
Friedrich Nietzsche
"Go up close to your friend, but do not go over to him! We should also respect the enemy in our friend"
Friedrich Nietzsche, Philosopher