“Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer” The Godfather (1974)

That the quote is from the Godfather surprised me, but it fits. I, quite obviously, did not watch the Godfather. It seems a bit of wisdom but when I look into it a bit it appears to be something that will probably lead down some very dark paths. But the quote seems to be taking center stage lately. I’ve been seeing it often but without the context.

I don’t consider anyone my enemy. Not because my life is all sweet rainbow bliss, but because having an enemy would mean that I have to spend some of my time and energy on someone who doesn’t need it, want it, or care about it. I don’t have that much time left in the world and I would rather spend my energy on something positive. I also don’t care to sit with an enemy’s energy.

To keep an enemy closer than a friend would damage the friendship. It would be placing someone that is trusted behind someone that is distrusted. It can’t be much of a friendship. It might even lead to a friend becoming an enemy. I can only imagine that a desire for control would be the motivation for keeping an enemy close. These seem to be the troubles of someone in power. But a type of power that is tenuous and based on the threat of violence. With a requirement to keep both friends and enemies close it would inevitably blur the lines on which is which. Most likely it would lead to a situation where one’s friends and enemies become indistinguishable to any and all, including the taker of this advice.

Energy rubs off. Let enemies go.

“A man is known by the company he keeps” – Greece (circa 600BCE)

“You are worthy of the goodness that finds you within the spaces that grow it.” – Zara Hairston

Instead of keeping our enemies closer than our friends, it’s better to keep our friends close. We absorb what’s around us, much like a carnation put in colored water. If we keep those we dislike next to us, we spend all our days marinating in negative emotions. That will leave a mark. Not only will it leave its odour in our heart and mind, but it will also inform those around us about who we must be to keep such terrible company. Spend the little time we have with those who love us as we love them. Friendship is a gift.

“I got you to look after me, and you got me to look after you, and that’s why.” – John Steinbeck

Here’s the clip from the Godfather.