Library / Fantastic Fables

The Man with No Enemies

A fable by Ambrose Bierce

Satire for older readers

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The Man with No Enemies

An inoffensive person was walking in a public place when they were suddenly assaulted by a stranger wielding a club. The attack was severe, leaving the victim battered and confused.

When the stranger was brought to trial, the complainant addressed the judge, saying, "I do not understand why I was assaulted; I have not an enemy in the world."

The defendant replied, "That is precisely why I struck him."

The judge, contemplating the situation, declared, "Let the prisoner be discharged. A man who has no enemies has no friends. The courts are not for such matters."

In this moment, the judge highlighted a profound truth about human relationships and the complexities of societal interactions.

The moral
The absence of enemies often signifies the absence of meaningful relationships and authenticity in one's life.

Discussion questions

  1. What does the phrase "no enemies" suggest about a person's social life?
  2. How can conflict contribute to the development of authentic relationships?
  3. In what ways might the fear of confrontation affect our friendships?

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Good night.

Tomorrow night: The Fox and the Crane