Enemies

Making enemies is part and parcel of life – just as life without a breathing, eating and shitting is far removed from the idea of living; to suggest that we can all go through life without having to manage our enemies from time to time is at best naïve – whether we wish it or not, enemies will be made, the very moment, we decide to take a firm position on an issue – it matters very little whether, those enemies are in our inner circle or circling like shoal of sharks in the office, church, temple or the various nooks and crannies that makes up the whole idea of what it means for us to be part of a community.
Enemies cannot be avoided. They can however be successfully managed, their efforts to undo us can be blunted and the good news is they can be neutralized.

“If your enemy is secure at all points, be mindful of him. If he is in superior strength, evade him. If your opponent is temperamental, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant. If he is taking his ease, harass him and give him no rest. If his forces are united, divide them. Attack him when he is least prepared, appear when you are not expected.”
Sun Tzu

Darkness 2012

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“Many people think they when they take a bite out of someone’s arse and just slip away, hopefully everything will be forgotten and forgiven. I do not believe life is that simple. It may take 10, 20 or even 30 years, but if the man you once crossed is a serious man and if he circulates in the company of serious men, then I assure you the accounts will be squared one day when you least expect it, it will come like fire from the heavens, if not in this generation then I guarantee in the next. Time is not an issue with these people, they are ruthless. Perhaps I am old fashioned, but where I once grew up, this was the way politics is conducted. That is why when I have a problem with someone, my advice to them is please come and see me and let us sit down and discuss it over coffee. I have found through the years, this is the best way to resolve conflict. Getting on with your life and pretending as if the matter will just dissolve away magically like gall stones is immature, it is childish as it is woefully hopeful. It is only after ALL options of diplomacy has been exhausted that you should consider the unthinkable. This is life. Anyone who tells you otherwise has never lived before.”