What do you think of the saying 'You should always fear an ignorant friend more than and intelligent enemy''

It confuses me. An ignorant friend may inadvertently do something to harm you but it would not be intentional so the harm could be minimal. An intelligent enemy would have the mental wherewithall to hurt you greatly, because it would be his/her intention to do you harm. I would fear the intelligent enemy more because he/she might be the type to have no conscience, no concept of "fair play" and no brakes to stop the onslaught.

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Okay. Thank you Rosie. I tend to agree with the quote in a way because ignorance misinterpretes and misjudges easily. What is well-intentioned may be perceived as interference, what is generous may be interpreted as 'buying' people etc. I would not consider someone who is intelligent as someone with no conscience either. They may be clever, academic etc but I would not consider them without scrupples. But that's just my opinion.
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by Bohemian is back on September 10th, 2009
Of course. But you used the word "friend". A friend does not misjudge,misinterpret or misperceive. If you mean acquaintance, I can understand your reasoning. But if you mean what I mean by "friend" that is an impossibility Excalibur. Ignorant or brilliant, a friend has your back, gives you the benefit of the doubht and even in disagreement is on your side! :)
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by RosieGHM Jetpacker on September 10th, 2009
Ignorance misinterpretes though. Therein lies the danger.
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by Bohemian is back on September 11th, 2009
Intelligent people are capable of misinterpreting as much as those who are uninformed/ignorant, especially if they are your enemy and looking for things to attack. Look at all the political shenanigans going on in Washington D.C. right now. Surely all those people aren't ignorant. Some "misinpret" purposefully...some zealots who I'm sure are intelligent, truly misinterpret because it suits their agendas. Again, just my opinion. Happy Friday! :)
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by RosieGHM Jetpacker on September 11th, 2009
I don't know Rosie. I think there are alot of ignorant people in positions of power. Just look at the Taliban!
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by Bohemian is back on September 11th, 2009
We disagree on this issue my friend. No worries. I prefer a friend, ignorant or stupid to an enemy who is intelligent/ignorant/stupid any day of the week. "Friend" is my favorite word in the whole entire world. I attribute certain properties to that word that you may not. Different strokes! :)
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by RosieGHM Jetpacker on September 11th, 2009

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What do you think of the saying 'You should always fear an ignorant friend more than and intelligent enemy''

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