“He who has a thousand friends has not a friend to spare, and he who has one enemy will meet him everywhere.”
—Ali Ben Abu Taleb
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Poetry, prose, and quotes often have different meanings or interpretations based on the reader’s life experiences. Below, I have offered my initial inference of what the words above mean to me. Please feel free to leave yours in the comments section so that other readers might realize a more diverse interpretation. (The context in which the words may have been originally presented, and by whom, are not the primary issues, just what the words might mean to us, or for us, individually, in the now.)
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My interpretation of this quote: One cannot escape his/her character. The way a person treats others will be the reflection they see on the faces of the people they encounter.
What’s yours?
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Enjoy today.
Achieve today.
Tomorrow is promised to no one!
Goal Habits.com 
I like you interpretation, very sound!
I think it’s a great idea what your doing I’m glad I found your blog, in time I’ll share my thoughts, happy fathers day.
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Thank you, Peter. Appreciate your kind words. Also, thanks for the FD wishes. I have one and only; she is 26. Happy Father’s Day to you as well. Best wishes to you and yours. 🙂
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Hey Paul, I read this early this morning and wanted to give it some thought before I responded. I do like your interpretation very much and think I might be the truest answer. However, since we are philosophizing we need to open it up some more!
Having one thousand friends and not a friend to spare suggests to me an insecurity. Not willing to part with the people around you for fear you will stumble and fail without others holding you up.
He who has one enemy will met him everywhere suggests to me the opportunity to face your fear and demons. It’s how you handle a situation that brings strength, honor and character to ones self.
I think this quote has to do with the challenges of self awareness and esteem.
I appreciate a great mind boggle in the morning to get my day started! Thank you and happy Father’s Day to you!
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Hi, Robyn. Thanks for joining in. Sorry to be a day behind in responding. You have presented a different view for me. It’s so interesting. Diversity is necessary for growth and growth is necessary for wisdom. Hopefully, we’re all seeking more wisdom. Thanks again, Robyn, and also for your kind words and well wishes. I had a super Father’s Day with my daughter and son-in-law. (I need to make sure that he doesn’t think he’s the only man in her life.) 😉 She’s my only. ~Paul
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