It’s often attributed to Sun Tzu, the ancient Chinese strategist behind The Art of War, though there’s debate about its true origin. Some credit Niccolò Machiavelli, while others point to Mario Puzo’s The Godfather Part II, where Michael Corleone famously says it.
What It Means
- Strategic Awareness: Stay informed about your adversaries’ actions and intentions.
- Control & Leverage: By keeping enemies close, you can anticipate threats and possibly influence outcomes.
- Caution in Relationships: Sometimes betrayal comes from those you least expect — even friends.
It’s a phrase that’s echoed in business, politics, warfare, and even trading forums — like the one you’re browsing now — where skepticism and strategy go hand in hand.
![]()
![]()
It takes a lot for me to IGNORE you, but you can try.
5