Lion Quote by Jakob and Wilhelm Grimm
““And when the baker had plastered his feet, he ran to the miller. 'Miller,' he said, 'strew me some white meal over my paws.' But the miller refused, thinking the wolf must be meaning to harm someone. 'If you don't do it,' cried the wolf, 'I'll eat you up!' And the miller was afraid and did as he was told. And that just shows what men are.””
About This Quote
A cautionary tale illustrating how fear and intimidation can coerce ordinary people into wrongdoing, revealing the darker aspects of human nature.
In simple terms: Fear can force people into immoral acts.
Key Takeaway
Powerful threats manipulate behavior.
Themes
fear
power
human nature
morality
coercion
Mood
ominous
reflective
Type
fable
moral anecdote
When to use this quote
- a baker seeking help
- a miller facing a threat
- a wolf demanding compliance
Key Concepts
intimidation
ethical compromise
social pressure
Practical Applications
- teaching ethics
- illustrating manipulation
Questions to Reflect On
- What does this story suggest about the influence of fear on moral choices?
- How might ordinary people resist coercive threats?
