Not too long after the 9-11 attacks (months, perhaps), I recall
reading a quote to the effect of, that we should be thankful for our
enemies because they teach us humility and so on.  I think it was in
Harper's Magazine as the headline quote preceding Lewis Lapham's
monthly editorial.  As I recall, it was of classical Greek provenance.
 What is the quote, and who said it?

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Request for Question Clarification by scriptor-ga on 30 Mar 2005 16:57 PST

Dear grx,

Is this the quote you have in mind?
"We should feel grateful to our enemies, for it is they who can best
help us develop a tranquil mind."

Scriptor

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Clarification of Question by grx-ga on 30 Mar 2005 17:21 PST

I don't remember anything about "tranquility" in the quote.  As I
recall, it specifically said either "humility" or "humbleness" or
perhaps "free us from hubris" or the like.  Of course, if it was
ancient Greek, translations can vary.

Was the quote you mention in Harper's Magazine in late 2001 or early
2002?  (Perhaps verifiable by a Nexis search.)  If so, perhaps I am
simply mis-remembering the quote.

Thanks.