It is better to learn war early from friends, than late from enemies

Even from enemies much can be learned by the intelligent,
More in fact than from our friends.

He who laughs most, learns best

New friends can often have a better time together than old friends.

He who laughs most, learns best.

It is always safe to learn, even from our enemies, seldom safe to venture to instruct, even our friends.

It is noble to teach oneself, but still nobler to teach others—and less trouble.

He gains wisdom in a happy way, who gains it by another’s experience.

It's a good thing to be laughed at. It's better than to be ignored.

If you want enemies, excel your friends; but if you want friends, let your friends excel you.

Friendships are nice. So is competence.

Epops: You're mistaken: men of sense often learn from their enemies. Prudence is the best safeguard. This principle cannot be learned from a friend, but an enemy extorts it immediately. It is from their foes, not their friends, that cities learn the lesson of building high walls and ships of war. And this lesson saves their children, their homes, and their properties. Chorus [leader]: It appears then that it will be better for us to hear what they have to say first; for one may learn something at times even from one's enemies. (tr. Anon. 1812 rev. in Ramage 1864, p. 45)

A thousand friends have less weight than a single enemy.

4833. The wise Man draws more Advantage from his Enemies, than a Fool from his Friends.