To say that "lift is drag and drag is lift" is incorrect and unhelpful, as the two quantities are unambiguously defined and unambiguously different. I would say instead: "there can be no lift without drag".
A difference in semantics only.

I'll take Dick's view all the way as it causes thought rather than "Oh, THAT's the definition."

If you think through what is (what has been said here) said including your quote you end up in the same place ____ all be it by different conveyances.

I had a grad school Prof who would state things at their harshest to promote the same type of thought.
It works! It is an excellent teaching device.