We have the wolf by the ears, and we can neither hold him…
“We have the wolf by the ears, and we can neither hold him, nor safely let him go. Justice is in one scale, and self-preservation in the other.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Holding a dangerous power creates a dilemma: you cannot keep it safely nor release it without risk; justice and self‑preservation clash.
In simple terms: Powerful forces create moral dilemmas.
Key Takeaway
Balance justice with self‑interest carefully.
Themes
power
ethics
politics
Mood
cautious
thoughtful
Type
historical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy making
- conflict resolution
- leadership decisions
- legal judgments
Key Concepts
philosophy
political theory
Questions to Reflect On
- When have you faced a situation where letting go was risky?
- How do you prioritize justice over self‑preservation?
A Different Perspective
May ignore long‑term consequences of holding power.