# LXXXVII: The Characteristics of Enemies explained — The Kural

> Chapter companion for The Kural by Thiruvalluvar.

## What happens

This chapter outlines the traits of weak and flawed princes that make them easy targets for enemies, emphasizing the importance of strength, wisdom, and self-control in leadership.

## Themes in this chapter

### Statecraft and Governance

The chapter focuses on identifying weak rulers and the strategic advantages of exploiting their flaws.

### Virtue and Righteousness

Contrasts virtuous leadership with the vices that make a prince vulnerable to enemies.

## Character check-ins

### Thiruvalluvar

Author of the Kural, providing aphorisms on the characteristics of enemies.

### the Kural

The text that contains these teachings on statecraft and enmity.

### Kauṭilya

Referenced indirectly through the science of politics mentioned in the chapter.

## Key lines

> Strive not with the powerful: but against those that are weaker than thyself carry on wars without relaxing even for one moment.

Do not fight the strong; instead, persistently wage war against those weaker than you.

_Advises strategic selection of enemies based on relative strength._

> Behold the prince who is always ill-tempered and who controlleth not his tongue: he will be an easy prey to everybody at all times and at all places.

A prince who is irritable and lacks verbal restraint is vulnerable to attack anywhere, anytime.

_Highlights the danger of poor self-control in leadership._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kural_se/chapters/lxxxvii-the-characteristics-of-enemies
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kural_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_kural_se/chapters