"Quien vive para combatir a un enemigo tiene interés en que el enemigo siga vivo"

Living your life solely to fight against an enemy creates a paradox where you actually need your enemy to exist. If your entire purpose and sense of self are wrapped up in opposing someone or something, then their defeat would leave you without direction. It’s a bit of a dangerous cycle—one where your identity revolves around conflict.

Historically, this idea has been discussed in various ways. Nietzsche, the German philosopher, often touched on similar themes. He believed that people could become so obsessed with their adversaries that their lives revolve around them. It’s like a rival sports team; if your favorite part of being a fan is hating the other team, what happens when they disband? You suddenly lose part of your identity.

Let me give you a real-life example. Think about the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union. For decades, both superpowers built their political and military strategies around the threat each posed to the other. They poured resources into spying, building nuclear arsenals, and spreading propaganda. When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, the U.S. found itself in an odd position. Without the enemy they had spent decades combating, a lot of military and political structures had to be re-evaluated. The enemy's existence had shaped so much of their actions and policies.

Applying this wisdom in your life starts with introspection. Ask yourself, are you defined by what you stand for or what you stand against? It’s crucial to find a purpose or goal that’s positive and internally driven, rather than one that’s reactive or oppositional. If you’re always fighting against something, it might be time to shift focus. Try channeling that energy into building something new, rather than tearing something down.

Imagine you're at a coffee shop with a friend. They’re constantly talking about how much they despise a certain coworker. Every conversation revolves around this person’s flaws and mistakes. Over time, it becomes clear that their happiness is tied to this coworker’s actions. If the coworker left the job, your friend would have lost their main talking point and, weirdly, a part of their daily motivation. So, you advise them to find a new project or passion at work that excites them, independent of this coworker.

In doing so, they’d start to define themselves by their own accomplishments and interests, rather than their opposition to someone else. It’s about shifting the focus from an external enemy to internal growth. This shift doesn’t happen overnight, but it can lead to a more fulfilling and balanced life.

Think about it—what are you fighting against right now? Is it a person, an ideology, or perhaps a bad habit? Then ask yourself, what would you do if that enemy disappeared tomorrow? If the answer leaves you feeling empty or directionless, it might be time to rethink your motivations and find something that gives you purpose beyond just combating your enemy.

So, next time you catch yourself getting wrapped up in opposition, pause. Take a breath. Consider what you’re for, not just what you’re against. It’s a subtle shift, but it can make all the difference in the world.