Even if it’s human nature to strive for perfection, it is impossible to achieve it. There is a chance to get closer to a certain mark, which is close to it. In the process of achieving the best results, a person often acquires enemies and envious people. Some are driven by healthy competition, others are base vices, perhaps the oldest of all. However, forewarned means armed, and therefore below will be considered quotes about the enemy, which will help to withstand a worthy answer to any envious person.
A way of motivation, or proof of one’s mastery
You can reproach yourself and others as much as you like for the presence of such an unsightly vice as envy, but sometimes he acts as one of the most effective motivators. Agree that a mediocre person, not striving for anything and not achieving any significant results, is unlikely to risk making enemies. All that threatens him is enemies that his hairdo, circle of friends or the habit of listening to music loudly did not please.
Hence the conclusion that only those who are engaged in serious business and succeed in it can make enemies. This is easily confirmed by the following quotes about the enemy.
To defeat the enemy, you must first make it. (Ilya Gerchikov)
Enemies are a great stimulant. (Katherine Hepburn)
There is no better teacher than the enemy. Only the enemy will honestly tell you what he is going to do. Only the enemy will teach you to destroy and conquer. Only the enemy will show you your weaknesses. Only the enemy will show where he is strong. And the only rule in this game is this: do whatever you can with the enemy, otherwise he will do it with you. (Orson Scott Card, Ender's Game)
On opposite sides of the barricades
Unfortunately, relations between people are unstable. The trials or joys that we experience change not only us, but also our loved ones. Relations between us can change the polarity and from friendships become hostile. Such metamorphoses are especially difficult to accept, because you have to perceive a loved one as a threat.
Friends know our secrets, fears, as well as wrong actions, which we are ashamed of. To quarrel with them is to destroy within themselves the good memory of them. The result of this was the appearance of quotes about friends and enemies. After reading them, not long become one of those skeptics who deny the existence of any feelings and believe only in guarantees and contracts.
Do not tell your friend what you hide from the enemy, for there is no guarantee that friendship will last forever. (Abu l-Faraj bin Harun)
There is no enemy more cruel than a former friend. (Andre Morois (Emil Erzog))
Only friends remain in the past. Enemies always follow you on the heels. (Joe Abercrombie, "Before They Hang Them")
Top teachers
A series of quotes about the enemy allows us to make a very unexpected discovery - they teach us life. Thanks to their presence, a person learns to behave properly, prioritize and value what he has. Enemies, like difficulties, temper us and prevent us from relaxing. Before them, no one wants to face the dirt, and therefore is ready to do the impossible.
To change, a person needs the help of a good friend or, even better, a good enemy. (Joe Abercrombie, "Better Serve Cold")
The man who rises while his enemy is still sleeping is already on his feet, while his enemy is only waking up. (Ernst Heine)
The benefit of the adversaries is beyond doubt: they affirm us in the belief that without them we would have realized our ideals. (Jean Rostan)
Forgiveness
Getting angry and feuding with someone is an exhausting task. Nevertheless, it sometimes does not require a great mind. It is much more difficult to overcome yourself and forgive someone who intends to harm you or has already done so. Many take years, if not all of their lives, to do this.
For someone, the ability to forgive even the most evil enemies is a real victory over them. Quotes about the enemy who was forgiven will be proof of this. They prove that the wisdom and generosity of a person determines his life path.
The best way to get rid of the enemy is to speak only good things about him everywhere. They will tell him this, and he will no longer be able to harm you: you have broken his spirit. He will continue to fight against you, but without much zeal and perseverance, because subconsciously he has already stopped hating you. He is defeated, not even knowing about his own defeat. (Emil Michel Choran, Confessions and Curses)
Love for the enemy should be faster than his hatred for us. (Valery Krasovsky)
We may not be so holy as to love our enemies, but for the sake of our own health and happiness, at least let us forgive them and forget about their existence. (Dale Carnegie)
Conclusion
You can try not to make enemies or, on the contrary, confidently achieve success, regardless of the opinion of envious people. Another option is the forgiveness of those whom you call your rival. But do not forget that in many life situations we ourselves become enemies for ourselves.
The only enemy that can harm you is you. (Henry Ryder Haggard, Cleopatra)
Let the above quotes about enemies and envious people help you keep your enemies at the right distance.