“He will have to learn, I know, that all people are not just — that all men and women are not true. Teach him that for every scoundrel there is a hero; that for every enemy there is a friend. Let him learn early that the bullies are the easiest people to lick.”
Share this quote
About this quote
Let him learn early that bullies are often the weakest link — confront them with steady confidence, don’t let them steal your ground. Ask yourself who you're enabling by staying silent, then take clear action to hold yourself and others to better standards.
When to use it
- A parent uses the line while telling their child to be cautious but brave around new classmates and not idolize everyone they meet.
- A manager quotes the passage in a quick team talk to encourage standing up to a dominant coworker and supporting quieter teammates.
- A coach tells a teen-athlete to remember the balance: for every opponent who plays dirty there's someone who plays fair, so stay focused and prepared.
- A person repeats the line to themselves before confronting a bully, turning nervousness into steady, disciplined action.