Fishes live in the sea, as men do a-land; the great ones eat up the little ones.

Summary

This quote, often attributed to English political philosopher Thomas Hobbes, reflects a cynical view of human nature and society. It suggests that the world resembles the natural order in the sea, where larger fish prey on smaller ones. In the context of human society, it implies that those with more power and influence tend to exploit and dominate those who are weaker or less privileged. The quote serves as a reminder of the perceived ruthlessness and predatory tendencies that can underlie social dynamics and hierarchies.