The maxim "Keep your friends close, but your enimes closer" has been long used, but little understood. Businessmen make decisions on the information at hand and the perceived reactions of the effected parties. The maxim simply highlights that fact that it is prudent to continaully collect as much information about "your enimies" as possible - with and without their knowledge. Whereas, a bond of trust and predictable action has been established with "friends" and thus does not demand an equal expenditure of resources.