"No one is to be called an enemy, all are your benefactors, and no one does you harm. You have no enemy except yourselves"
- Francis of Assisi
About this Quote
This quote by Francis of Assisi is a tip that we should not see others as our enemies. Rather, we must recognize that everybody is our benefactor, which nobody is purposefully attempting to damage us. The only opponent we have is ourselves, suggesting that the only person who can genuinely harm us is ourselves. This quote motivates us to be kind to others, and to not let our own negative thoughts and emotions get in the way of our relationships with others. It likewise advises us that we ought to take obligation for our own actions and not blame others for our mistakes. Eventually, this quote is a tip that we need to aim to be kind and understanding to others, and to not let our own negative thoughts and feelings get in the way of our relationships with others.
"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"