"Treating your adversary with respect is striking soft in battle"

This quote by Samuel Johnson is a reminder that even in the middle of a battle, it is essential to treat your enemy with respect. Johnson is suggesting that by lionizing to your opponent, you are taking a softer method to the battle. This might imply that you are not taking part in physical violence, however rather are attempting to deal with the conflict through discussion and understanding. Johnson is promoting for a more peaceful technique to dispute resolution, rather than resorting to violence. He is suggesting that by treating your foe with respect, you are revealing that you want to work together to find a solution. This quote is a suggestion that even in the middle of a battle, it is necessary to bear in mind to treat your opponent with regard and self-respect.