Slow but steady wins the race.
AesopRead
We hang the petty thieves and appoint the great ones to public office.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that society punishes small wrongdoers while allowing the powerful and corrupt to hold positions of authority.
Aesop's quote reflects a cynical view of societal justice, highlighting the hypocrisy in how justice is applied. It points out the tendency of governments to punish minor offenses harshly while overlooking the serious misconduct of those in power, suggesting an inherent flaw in the moral and political systems that allow such discrepancies.
Themes
JusticeCorruptionSocietyPowerHypocrisy
In practice
Example use cases
In a political debate, this quote could underscore the importance of accountability in leadership.
More from Aesop
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The haft of the arrow had been feathered with one of the eagle's own Lures. We often give our enemies the means of our own destruction.
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If you are a friend, why do you bite me so hard? If an enemy, why do you fawn on me?
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The unhappy derive comfort from the misfortunes of others.
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Don't kill the goose that lays the golden egg.
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