Who was it who said "keep your friends close, and your enemies closer still....?"

Question

Is it part of a larger quotation and where would I find it?

Answer 1

Yes, it is the rephrasing over generations of the author of the Art of War, brilliant book, you must know your enemy - he who knows himself, and knows his enemy, will not be defeated in a thousand engagements. He would say that when he saw his opponent, he had already defeated them in his mind, and the battle was just a formality. In fact, I would so recommend you read the book, it is amazing, it has been used in many personal development courses I have done.

Answer 2

it was said by Mobutu Sese Seko

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobutu_Sese...

Answer 3

The old saying is from Sun-Tzu’s Art of War is “keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.”

Answer 4

Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.

Sun-tzu

Chinese general & military strategist (~400 BC)

Answer 5

Its a good rule to stick to no matter where it came from.

Answer 6

Don Corleone - The godfather movie.

Answer 7

not sure some daft t-w-a-t

Answer 8

I think it was Machiavelli in "The Prince" although what he actually said was, an enemy should be either pampered or crushed, in other words, do not leave anyone around you who is against you and who has any power over you.

Answer 9

"To know your enemy, you must become your enemy ... Keep your friends close and your enemies closer." This familiar quote is from Sun Tzu (China - 400 B.C.), author of On the Art of War.