Nothing is as dangerous as an ignorant friend; a wise enemy is to be preferred.
• Book VIII (1678-1679), fable 10.
• Book VIII (1678-1679), fable 10.
“
Rien n'est si dangereux qu'un ignorant ami;
Mieux vaudrait un sage ennemi.
• Variant: Nothing is more dangerous than a friend without discretion; even a prudent enemy is preferable.
— Jean de La Fontaine
What It Means
This is a placeholder explanation generated by the low-overhead model. It interprets "Rien n'est si dangereux qu'un ignorant ami;
Mieux vaudrait un sage ennemi.
• Variant: Nothing is more dangerous than a friend without discretion; even a prudent enemy is preferable." in the context of "Nothing is as dangerous as an ignorant friend; a wise enemy is to be preferred.
• Book VIII (1678-1679), fable 10." to mean that wisdom is timeless.
Source: Wikiquote: "Jean de La Fontaine" (Quotes, Fables (1668–1679), Book VI-)
The 'What it means' explanation text was generated by Google Gemini Flash (accessed January 18, 2026). https://gemini.google.com/app
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About Jean de La Fontaine
Jean de La Fontaine (July 8 1621 – April 13 1695) is a famous French fabulist and the most widely read French poet of the 17th century.
About Jean de La Fontaine
Jean de La Fontaine (July 8 1621 – April 13 1695) is a famous French fabulist and the most widely read French poet of the 17th century.
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