The Cost of Silence: Why Having No Enemies Isn’t Always a Virtue

-

In a culture that values harmony, respect for elders, and avoiding confrontation, many grow up believing that the ideal person is someone who is liked by all and never causes trouble.

On the surface, this seems noble.

But here’s a deeper truth:

If you have no enemies, it may mean you stayed silent when your voice was needed the most.

Yes, being liked by everyone feels safe. But silence during moments of injustice is not peace - it’s passivity. And often, that silence helps maintain the very systems that hurt people.

Understanding the Quote

The quote “If you do not have any enemy, that means you were silent when you needed to speak very necessarily” holds special meaning in society.

We’re taught from childhood to “adjust,” to “let it go,” to “stay quiet in front of elders,” or to not “argue” with those in power.

But what happens when corruption, injustice, or oppression becomes part of everyday life?

If no one dares to speak, then wrong becomes normalized.

Silence is not always maturity. Sometimes, it’s fear dressed as wisdom.

Icons Who Made Enemies for the Right Reasons

Throughout Indian history, those who spoke up often faced backlash - not praise.

🔸 Mahatma Gandhi

He challenged the British Empire with non-violence, and even many of his own people didn’t agree with his methods. But he didn’t stay silent in the face of oppression.

🔸 Dr. B.R. Ambedkar

He fearlessly opposed caste discrimination. His powerful words and actions made him enemies among upper-caste groups and even political opponents. But his voice helped shape a more equal India.

🔸 Kalpana Chawla

As an Indian woman from Haryana who broke social norms and became an astronaut, she inspired millions. But she had to push through stereotypes and social expectations to do so.

🔸 Arundhati Roy

A celebrated author and activist, she often speaks up about uncomfortable truths - Kashmir, tribal rights, environmental issues - and is regularly criticized for it.

🔸 Swati Maliwal (former DCW chief)

She has taken bold stands on women’s safety and faced political and institutional resistance for challenging the system.

These individuals didn’t seek enemies. But their refusal to stay silent - despite pressure - naturally created them.

✋ Why Silence Isn’t Always “Shanti”

In families and institutions, silence is often mistaken for good behavior.

"Why create trouble?" "Don’t get involved." "Stay quiet - it’s not your problem."

These phrases are familiar to many of us. But silence in the face of wrongdoing is not Shanti (peace). It’s Sahanubhuti (apathy).

Real peace comes when the wrongs are corrected - not ignored.

🔥 When Making Enemies Means You’re Doing Something Right

We’re not talking about making enemies out of arrogance or ego.

But if:

  • You spoke out against dowry practices and got pushback from relatives,
  • You challenged your boss about unethical behavior,
  • You called out casteist or sexist comments in your circle,

…and someone disliked you for it-then maybe you’re doing the right thing.

Truth will always offend those who benefit from lies.

Speak When It’s Necessary

Our country doesn’t need more “well-behaved” people. It needs more brave voices people who are willing to speak truth to power, even when it’s uncomfortable.

So ask yourself:

  • Have I stayed silent to maintain peace?
  • Is my popularity more important to me than my principles?
  • Am I respected - or just quietly tolerated because I never challenge anything?

If you’ve never made an enemy, maybe it’s time to ask yourself: have I truly stood up for what matters?


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Yesterday’s Lessons, Tomorrow’s Insights

-
Image
A Thoughtful Guide to Life Through Ancestral Wisdom Life is unpredictable. No matter how much we plan, life often moves in directions we never expected. But while uncertainty is unavoidable, confusion is not. There is a way to walk through life with more clarity, stability, and inner strength. That way begins with the people who came before you—your father, your grandfather, and the long chain of ancestors whose lives shaped yours. They carried fears, dreams, mistakes, successes, and wisdom. Their stories are not just memories… They are maps. This guide is a deeper, more reflective practice to help you understand life by learning from your family’s lived experiences. 🌿 Why Study Your Father and Grandfather’s Lives? Every generation experiences pain, growth, choices, challenges, and joy. While times change, the human journey does not. They struggled with identity — just like you. They worried about the future — just like you. They made mistakes and learned — just like yo...
Read more

The Bitter Truth of Life

-
Image
Life is a journey we often live on autopilot, constantly moving from one worry to the next. We rarely pause to reflect, to ask ourselves: "Is this really living?" This is a reflection on the cycle many of us unknowingly become trapped in. Childhood When we were young, we worried about studies. We were told: “Work hard now, so your future is secure.” For example, a 10-year-old struggles with school exams while his friends play outside. He hears adults say, "You must come first in class." Slowly, the joy of learning fades, replaced by the pressure to perform. Adulthood When we grew up, we worried about jobs and livelihood. After graduation, a young woman applies for hundreds of jobs. Rejections pile up. Even after landing a job, she feels constant stress with deadlines, appraisals, and bills. She wonders if this is what she studied so hard for. Marriage and Family When we secured a livelihood, we worried about marriage. A man in his late twenties earns wel...
Read more

Intermittent Fasting: The Secret to Happiness, Health, and Wealth in Modern Life

-
Image
In today’s fast-paced world, where stress, unhealthy food habits, and medical bills seem to rise faster than salaries, one ancient practice is making a powerful comeback -  intermittent fasting . This isn't just another wellness trend or quick-fix diet. It’s a lifestyle that holds the key to not only physical health but also emotional well-being and financial stability. Let’s explore why intermittent fasting can truly be considered the best modern-day practice for creating a healthy, happy, and wealthy life. Health Is the New Wealth There’s an old saying: “Health is wealth.” This saying has never been more relevant than it is today. In a time where chronic illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and heart disease are skyrocketing, it’s becoming clearer that maintaining good health is directly connected to your quality of life - and your finances. The average person today spends thousands of rupees on medical tests, prescription drugs, and hospital visits. Ma...
Read more