This quote, “If you want to strengthen an enemy and make him exult – hate him,” essentially means that hatred towards another person only serves to empower them and give them a sense of satisfaction or victory. The act of hating someone requires a significant investment of emotional energy. This negative energy not only harms the individual who harbors it, but it also fuels the person it is directed towards. The more you hate someone, the more attention, time, and energy you are giving to them, which inadvertently strengthens them.

Furthermore, when someone knows they are hated, it often leads to a sense of triumph or satisfaction. They may feel they have succeeded in affecting you deeply, thus leading them to “exult” or rejoice. This idea suggests that negative emotions like hatred do more harm to the person who harbors them than the person they are directed towards.

In today’s world, this idea is particularly relevant in the realm of social media where trolling, online feuds, and hate speech are prevalent. The more attention and hatred directed towards a troll, for example, the more they thrive. Ignoring or not engaging with such individuals may be a more effective approach.

In terms of personal development, this quote encourages individuals to let go of hatred. Hatred is a heavy burden to carry and can hinder personal growth. Instead of focusing on negative emotions towards others, one should focus on self-improvement and positive emotions. This not only leads to a healthier mental state but also prevents the inadvertent strengthening of those we consider our enemies.