"Our most bitter enemies are our own kith and kin. Kings have no brothers, no sons, no mother!"
- Honore de Balzac
About this Quote
In this quote, Honore de Balzac is highlighting the idea that our closest member of the family and loved ones can often be our biggest enemies. He recommends that even kings, who are viewed as effective and untouchable, have no real household ties and are for that reason devoid of the burden of familial conflicts. Balzac is highlighting the concept that sometimes the people we are closest to can cause us the most pain and betrayal. This quote serves as a suggestion to be cautious and familiar with the possible damage that can originate from those we consider our own kith and kin.
"A person who doubts himself is like a man who would enlist in the ranks of his enemies and bear arms against himself. He makes his failure certain by himself being the first person to be convinced of it"
"A man who was completely innocent, offered himself as a sacrifice for the good of others, including his enemies, and became the ransom of the world. It was a perfect act"
"Give us grace and strength to forbear and to persevere. Give us courage and gaiety and the quiet mind, spare to us our friends, soften to us our enemies"