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, self-preservation in the other.

We have the wolf by the ears, and we can neither hold him no

Summary

This quote expresses a predicament or dilemma where taking action or not taking action both have potential adverse consequences. The metaphor of "having the wolf by the ears" suggests a situation where being in control is difficult, and the options available are equally challenging. On one hand, justice demands a particular course of action, while on the other hand, self-preservation urges caution and self-interest. This quote highlights the tension and difficulty of making decisions when conflicting priorities are at play.

Topics

Self

By Thomas Jefferson

Liked the quote? Share it with your friends.

Random Quotations

The greatest thing in family life is to take a hint when a h

The greatest thing in family life is to take a hint when a hint is intended-and not to take a hint when a hint isn't intended.

Life Family

When a thing is said to be not worth refuting you may be sur

When a thing is said to be not worth refuting you may be sure that either it is flagrantly stupid -- in which case all comment is superfluous -- or it is something formidable, the very crux of the problem.

Miguel de Unamuno

Argument & Debate

I'm a hopeless romantic and passionate person when it comes

I'm a hopeless romantic and passionate person when it comes to love.

Romantic

My mom would take me to restaurants, and the first thing I'd

My mom would take me to restaurants, and the first thing I'd ask for would be a pen and a napkin, and I'd sketch shoes and shoes and shoes.

Mom

I usually just have one cat. It is difficult, but I have my

I usually just have one cat. It is difficult, but I have my one cat that he'll travel with me if it's appropriate, if I'm not going overseas.

Travel

We can't look to the world to restore our worth; we're here

We can't look to the world to restore our worth; we're here to restore our worth to the world. The world outside us can reflect our glory, but it cannot create it. It cannot crown us. Only God can crown us, and he already has.

Marianne Williamson

Inspirational Woman

The person who is master of their passions is reason's slave

The person who is master of their passions is reason's slave.

Reason

While I thought that I was learning how to live, I have been

While I thought that I was learning how to live, I have been learning how to die.

Leonardo DaVinci

Death

Ours is a terrible religion. The fleets of the world could s

Ours is a terrible religion. The fleets of the world could swim in spacious comfort in the innocent blood it has spilt.

Religion Mark Twain

I've realized that although Valentine's Day can be a cheesy

I've realized that although Valentine's Day can be a cheesy money-making stint to most people, it's a day of expressing love across the world. It doesn't have to only be between lovers, but by telling a friend that you care, or even an old person that they are still appreciated.

Reeva Steenkamp

The man who has never made a fool of himself in love will ne

The man who has never made a fool of himself in love will never be wise in love.

Love

An organization's ability to learn, and translate that learn

An organization's ability to learn, and translate that learning into action rapidly, is the ultimate competitive advantage.

Business