"Vous avez des ennemis ? Bien. Cela signifie que vous avez défendu quelque chose, à un moment de votre vie."

Standing up for something important, even when it’s hard, means that people will sometimes disagree with you. This can result in making some enemies along the way. The core idea here is that having enemies is a sign that you’ve had the courage to stand by your principles at some point.

This quote is often attributed to Winston Churchill, a British Prime Minister known for his leadership during World War II. Churchill was a man who wasn’t afraid to make tough calls, regardless of whether he had the approval of everyone around him. He believed that conviction—standing firm on one's beliefs—sometimes meant clashing with others.

Imagine a whistleblower in a corporate setting. Jane, an accountant, uncovers financial misconduct in her company. It's a tricky position. If she reports this, some of her colleagues might resent her, especially those who are benefitting from the shady deals. But she goes ahead anyway, reporting the misconduct to ensure ethical practices are followed. As a result, some of her colleagues turn against her. Yet, she also gains the respect of those who value integrity. Jane now has enemies but has also solidified her stance for honesty.

So, how do you apply this wisdom to your own life? First, identify your core values. What matters most to you? It could be honesty, fairness, or kindness. Next, be prepared to stand by these values, even when it's tough. This doesn’t mean looking for a fight but rather being ready to face opposition when you uphold your principles. Think of it as setting a personal boundary—you're defining what you stand for and what you won't tolerate.

Let's say you’re in a group of friends, and one of them starts making jokes that are offensive. It’s awkward, right? But imagine you decide to speak up, saying something like, “Hey, that’s not cool. We shouldn’t joke about stuff like that.” You might get a few eye rolls or even lose a friend or two. But guess what? You’ve shown courage by standing up for respect and decency. It's not about the number of friends you have, but the quality and shared values within those friendships.

Here’s a relatable scenario: Think about Sarah, who works in marketing. Her boss asks her to create a misleading ad campaign that makes exaggerated claims about a product. Sarah knows this is wrong and voices her concern. Some colleagues might see her as a troublemaker, and her boss might be annoyed. But others will admire her for her integrity, and maybe one day, they’ll follow her example. Sarah’s enemies? They’re just evidence of her commitment to honesty.

In everyday life, it’s often easier to stay silent or go along with the crowd. But when you choose to stand up for what you believe in, you’re showing the world—and yourself—what you’re made of. Remember, it’s okay to have a few enemies if it means you’re staying true to your values. It’s a sign you’ve had the courage to stand up for something meaningful at some point in your life.