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
All quotes βWe often despise what is most useful to us.
AesopRead
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.
AesopRead
If you are a friend, why do you bite me so hard? If an enemy, why do you fawn on me?
AesopRead
The unhappy derive comfort from the misfortunes of others.
AesopRead
Don't kill the goose that lays the golden egg.
AesopRead
Similar quotes
Freedom of expression - in particular, freedom of the press - guarantees popular participation in the decisions and actions of government, and popular participation is the essence of our democracy.
Corazon AquinoRead
The United States will do what we must to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
Barack ObamaRead
Democracy cannot consist solely of elections that are nearly always fictitious and managed by rich landowners and professional politicians.
Che GuevaraRead
Unfortunately for governments like that of Iran, when they forbid something, people become more interested.
Azar NafisiRead
We still find the greedy hand of government thrusting itself into every corner and crevice of industry and grasping at the spoil of the multitude. Invention is continually exercised to furnish new pretenses for revenue and taxation. It watches prosperity as its prey and permits none to escape without a tribute.
Thomas PaineRead
Nations are born in the hearts of poets, they prosper and die in the hands of politicians.
Muhammad IqbalRead