Slow but steady wins the race.
AesopRead
If these town gods can't detect the thieves who steal from their own temples, it's hardly likely they'll tell me who stole my spade.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote highlights the irony of relying on those who are corrupt or incompetent to solve one's problems.
Aesop's quote suggests that if those in authority or power, represented here as 'town gods', are unable to discern the wrongdoing occurring within their own bounds, they are unlikely to provide justice or clarity in other matters. It underscores the theme of hypocrisy and the failure of guardians or leaders to fulfill their roles, implying that trusting such entities for help may be futile.
Themes
CorruptionJusticeAuthorityHypocrisyTrust
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be shared in a discussion about the failures of leadership in local government.
More from Aesop
All quotes βWe often despise what is most useful to us.
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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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We hang the petty thieves and appoint the great ones to public office.
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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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