A dictionary of Proverbs (Oxford Paperback Reference)

The only GOOD Indian is a dead Indian
Originally with reference to North American Indians; now also used derogatively of members of other nationalities or groups.

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  1868 J. M. CAVANAUGH in Congressional Globe (US) 28 May 2638 I have never in my life seen a good Indian (and I have seen thousands) except when I have seen a dead Indian. 1886 A. GURNEY Ramble through United States 29 The Government.. is at length earnestly endeavouring to do tardy justice to the conquered race; but it was distressing to hear again and again from American lips the remark that ‘A good Indian is a dead Indian.’ 1895 E. S. ELLIS People’s Standard History U.S. IV. lxxxiv. In January, 1869,.. Old Toch-a-way.., a chief of the Comanches,.. [said]: ‘Me, Tock-a-way; me good Injun.’.. General [Sheridan].. set those standing by in a roar by saying: ‘The only good Indians I ever saw were dead.’ 1934 G. B. SHAW On Rocks (Preface) 146 ‘The only good nigger is a dead nigger’ say the Americans of the Ku-Klux temperament. 1935 L. I. WILDER Little House on Prairie xvii. She did not know why the government made treaties with Indians. The only good Indian was a dead Indian. 1980 R. BUTLER Blood- Red Sun at Noon II. vi. The only good Jap is a dead Jap. 1994 Washington Times 18 Jan. A15 Unfortunately, some liberals sound as if they believe that the only good gun owner is a dead gun owner. 1998 K. NEVILLE Magic Circle 457 Sam had escorted me, and as we’d passed some other boys in the hallway, one had whispered just loud enough for Sam to hear: ‘The only good Indian is a dead Indian.’ ■ national characteristics; reputation
  

The GOOD is the enemy of the best
Also in reverse: the BEST is the enemy of the good.

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  1912 J. KELMAN Thoughts on Things Eternal 108 Every respectable Pharisee proves the truth of the saying that ‘the good is the enemy of the best.’.. Christ insists that we shall not be content with a second-best, though it be good. 1939 R. A. HABAS Morals for Moderns vii. ‘The good’, runs the old aphorism, ‘is the enemy of the best.’ Nowhere is this. . better exemplified than in connection with.. self-deceit. "good things