Dangerous Quote by Jean de La Fontaine
“Example is a dangerous lure: where the wasp got through the gnat sticks fast.”
About This Quote
Illustrates how a small, seemingly harmless example can mask a larger, more dangerous problem, leading to complacency.
In simple terms: Small examples can hide bigger threats.
Beware of superficial analogies.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- evaluating safety protocols
- teaching scientific method
- political rhetoric analysis
Key Concepts
Practical Applications
- use critical questioning when presented with examples
- cross‑check with broader data
Questions to Reflect On
- When does an example clarify versus oversimplify?
- How can we test the validity of an analogy?
Sometimes a simple example is precisely what is needed to illustrate a complex issue.