Ears Quote by Thomas Jefferson
“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
Source Letter: Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 1799
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.
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