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Bribe Quote by Edward Coke

“Though the bribe be small, yet the fault is great.” quote by Edward Coke
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“Though the bribe be small, yet the fault is great.”

Edward Coke

About This Quote

Source Legal Treatise: Institutes of the Laws of England, 1628

Even a minor bribe corrupts integrity, showing that any dishonesty is a serious moral failure.

In simple terms: Small bribes still cause big moral damage.

Key Takeaway

Avoid all forms of bribery.

Themes

ethics corruption integrity

Mood

cautionary serious

Type

ethical legal

When to use this quote

  • political negotiations
  • business contracts
  • public procurement
  • personal decisions

Key Concepts

moral philosophy law social trust

Questions to Reflect On

  • How might a small bribe influence larger behavior?
  • Can tolerance of minor corruption normalize bigger crimes?
A Different Perspective

Even tiny bribes can erode trust and lead to larger offenses.

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