"In dancing with the enemy one follows his steps even if counting under one's breath"
- Breyten Breytenbach
About this Quote
This quote by Breyten Breytenbach speaks with the idea of compromise and settlement. It recommends that in order to reach an effective outcome, one must want to fulfill the other celebration midway. This suggests that even if one disagrees with the other celebration, they need to still want to follow their steps and accept their terms. This is not to state that a person ought to completely abandon their own beliefs and values, however rather that they need to want to make concessions in order to reach an equally useful contract.
The quote also speaks to the concept of durability and perseverance. Even if one is not in agreement with the other celebration, they need to still be willing to continue the dance and keep counting under their breath. This suggests that one should remain steadfast in their beliefs and values, but also want to make compromises in order to reach an effective outcome.
Eventually, this quote speaks to the concept of compromise and negotiation. It recommends that in order to reach an effective outcome, one must want to satisfy the other party midway and make concessions in order to reach an equally beneficial agreement. It also speaks to the idea of strength and perseverance, as one must remain unfaltering in their beliefs and values, however also be willing to make compromises in order to reach a successful result.
"When the principles that run against your deepest convictions begin to win the day, then the battle is your calling, and peace has become sin. You must at the price of dearest peace lay your convictions bare before friend and enemy with all the fire of your faith"