Bribe Quote by Edward Coke
“Though the bribe be small, yet the fault is great.”
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.
Avoid all forms of bribery.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- political negotiations
- business contracts
- public procurement
- personal decisions
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How might a small bribe influence larger behavior?
- Can tolerance of minor corruption normalize bigger crimes?
Even tiny bribes can erode trust and lead to larger offenses.