By: John S. Morlu II, CPA
In war and politics, the enemy of my enemy is also my enemy.
In business and personal life, the friend of my enemy is my enemy.
Confusing? Not really. Let’s break it down — with a few laughs, some brutal truths, and the kind of advice you wish someone had stapled to your forehead years ago.
1. War and Politics: The “Enemy of My Enemy” Illusion
You’ve heard the ancient wisdom:
“The enemy of my enemy is my friend.”
That sounds lovely, like something you’d find crocheted on a pillow in a retired spy’s living room.
But here’s the deal:
In reality, the enemy of your enemy is just someone who hasn’t gotten around to stabbing you yet.
Historical Fun Fact:
- During WWII, the U.S. and the Soviet Union hugged it out (metaphorically — actual hugging between Stalin and Roosevelt would have caused a black hole).
- They teamed up to defeat Hitler, popped champagne…
- Then, literally minutes after victory: BAM! Cold War!
Build nukes, dig bunkers, point fingers — friendship over.
Common Sense Translation:
Imagine you and a bear are both fighting a lion.
Victory!
Then the bear looks at you and thinks, “You know what would go great with this victory? Dessert.”
Guess who’s dessert?
Pro Tip:
- Temporary alliances are exactly that: temporary.
- Trusting a temporary ally is like trusting a raccoon at a dinner party: sooner or later, it’s going to steal your breadsticks and your soul.
Bonus Example:
Remember when your coworkers ganged up to take down that terrible boss?
Victory parade!
Now fast-forward three weeks: you’re the next “terrible boss” because you had the nerve to ask Chad to come to work before noon.
Congratulations!
You’ve just been Cold War-ed.
2. Business and Personal: The Friend of My Enemy Is My Enemy
Now let’s enter the real circus — business and personal relationships — where betrayal wears yoga pants and sips oat milk lattes while tweeting about “good vibes only.”
Proximity Is a Deadly Weapon.
If you think someone can be “neutral” between you and your enemy, you’re probably still waiting for your high school crush to text you back. It’s not happening.
Common Lies People Tell Themselves:
- “I’m friends with everyone!” (Translation: I’m a gossip sponge waiting to leak.)
- “I don’t want to take sides.” (Translation: I already picked a side. It’s just not yours.)
- “I just want peace.” (Translation: I want to watch the drama unfold without paying for popcorn.)
Fun Fact:
Science shows that even lab rats pick sides during conflicts.
Lab rats.
And you think your “neutral” friend is some evolved moral philosopher? Please.
Historical Tidbit:
In Julius Caesar’s time, neutrality was punished by exile — because if you weren’t for Caesar, you were basically sharpening Brutus’ knives.
(Et tu, Karen?)
Modern Business Example:
You lost a deal to a competitor.
Meanwhile, your “neutral” friend is out golfing with them, tagging them on Instagram, and sending heart emojis under their “Crushing it!” posts.
Sure, they’re neutral.
Just like Switzerland… except even Switzerland eventually picked a side (spoiler: the side with the gold).
Blunt Truth:
- Business is a blood sport played with contracts instead of swords.
- Personal life is just business without the paperwork.
3. Survival Strategy: Identify, Laugh, and Step Aside
Identify:
- Watch who stays “neutral” until there’s a party invitation or a raise involved.
- Watch who suddenly develops amnesia when you need backup but is remarkably alert when you slip up.
Laugh:
- Most people can’t stay loyal to Netflix shows past season two.
- You expected lifelong loyalty?
- That’s adorable. Really.
Fun Example:
You’re drowning.
Your “neutral” friend is on the shore, filming it for TikTok.
Caption: “OMG. He’s so dramatic.”
Hashtag: #SendingThoughtsAndPrayers
Step Aside:
- Never wrestle pigs: you both get dirty, and the pig likes it.
- Save your breath — and your energy — for people who would actually pull you out of the mud instead of live-streaming it.
Serious Takeaway:
You don’t need more friends.
You need the right five people who can tell the difference between loyalty and networking.
Final Mic Drop:
“In politics and war, don’t trust allies. In business and life, don’t trust neutrals. Everyone is playing a game. Make sure you’re not the ball, the referee, or the halftime show.”
Bonus Savage Ending:
Look, neutrality sounds noble, like unicorns, gluten-free cupcakes, and politicians who promise “change.”
But in the real world, neutrality is usually just cowardice gift-wrapped as wisdom.
If someone says, “I don’t want to take sides,”
what they really mean is:
“I’m betting against you. I just don’t have the guts to say it out loud.”
These people aren’t Switzerland.
They’re an open bar at a wedding — available to whoever gets there first.
Modern Law of Loyalty:
- If they can clap for your enemy louder than they ever cheered for you,
- If they can dance at your funeral before the coffin closes,
- If they can repost your enemy’s success but “forget” to like your biggest wins,
Congratulations:
You’re not dealing with a neutral party.
You’re dealing with a double agent who can’t even spell espionage.
Final Word:
In war, politics, business, and life — enemies are easy to spot. They announce themselves with swords, slander, or side-eyes.
But fake friends and business partners?
They show up smiling. They hug you while quietly measuring your back for the softest spot to slide the knife.
They laugh at your jokes, cheer your wins, and silently root for your downfall — not because they hate you, but because your shine reminds them of their own shadows.
So yes, choose your enemies carefully.
But choose your fake friends and business partners even more carefully.
Because enemies confront you.
Fake ones study you.
They arrive dressed like party guests, eat your food, toast to your success — then leave wearing your crown, your contact list, and sometimes your best ideas.
They say, “I’m just here to support everyone.”
Translation: “I’ll support whoever’s winning.”
These aren’t friends. They’re brand ambassadors for betrayal.
So what do you do?
Stay sharp. Stay real. Stay allergic to “neutrality.”
Because in a world full of smiling opportunists and well-dressed Judas types, your best defense isn’t blind paranoia — but smart paranoia. Like Andy Grove famously said, “Only the paranoid survive.”
It’s precision:
- Who do you let in the room?
- Who do you let near your name?
- Who do you trust with your silence?
Because silence isn’t empty — it’s full of strategy.
And when all is said and done, it’s better to walk alone than to be followed by a parade of people who clap with one hand… and text your enemies with the other.
Take this hard-earned wisdom — in business and in life — straight to the bank. And don’t forget to guard the vault.
About the Author
John is an entrepreneur, strategist, and founder of JS Morlu, LLC, a Virginia based CPA firm with multiple software ventures including www.FinovatePro.com, www.Recksoft.com and www.Fixaars.com . With operations spanning multiple countries, John is on a mission to build global infrastructure that empowers small businesses, entrepreneurs, and professionals to thrive in an increasingly competitive world. He believes in hard truths, smart execution, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. When he’s not writing or building, he’s challenging someone to a productivity contest—or inventing software that automates it.
