Who said “One enemy can do more hurt than ten friends can do good.”?

Verified

Jonathan Swift. A published source records them saying or writing it.

SourceJournal to Stella (30 June, 1711)

Evidence: Wikiquote · How we check

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Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: Journal to Stella (30 June, 1711).

APA

Swift, J. (n.d.). One enemy can do more hurt than ten friends can do good. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/14493-one-enemy-can-do-more-hurt-than-ten/

MLA

Swift, Jonathan. “One enemy can do more hurt than ten friends can do good.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/14493-one-enemy-can-do-more-hurt-than-ten/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Swift, Jonathan. “One enemy can do more hurt than ten friends can do good.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/14493-one-enemy-can-do-more-hurt-than-ten/.