We hang the petty thieves and appoint the great ones to public

Hearken, O seekers of wisdom, to the trenchant words of Aesop, who observed: “We hang the petty thieves and appoint the great ones to public office.” In these words lies a piercing meditation upon justice, power, and the inequities of human governance. Aesop, the ancient sage and storyteller, reveals the paradox that those who transgress on a small scale are punished, while those who commit greater offenses may be exalted, entrusted with authority and influence over the very society they exploit.

From the earliest civilizations, philosophers and chroniclers recognized that justice is often unevenly applied. In Athens and Rome, laws were written to govern all, yet the powerful frequently circumvented them, while the weak suffered disproportionate punishment. Aesop’s reflection mirrors this enduring truth: human systems of law and governance are susceptible to corruption, favoring wealth, influence, and position over true morality and fairness. The petty wrongdoer suffers, while the mighty wrongdoer thrives under the guise of authority.

The words illuminate the nature of power and the moral hazards inherent in society. Authority without accountability breeds injustice, while punishment divorced from wisdom fosters resentment and cynicism. History bears witness to this pattern. Consider the example of Niccolò Machiavelli’s Italy, where ambitious leaders manipulated laws, war, and alliances to elevate themselves while ordinary citizens endured harsh penalties for minor offenses. Aesop’s insight resonates: society often exalts cunning and audacity, even when it is morally corrupt, while condemning those who transgress in less ambitious ways.

The reflection also underscores the importance of discernment and vigilance among the governed. Citizens must observe not only the letter of the law but the spirit and fairness of its enforcement. To rely blindly upon authority risks sanctioning those whose ambition eclipses virtue. In this, Aesop’s lesson is timeless: true justice requires wisdom, vigilance, and moral clarity, lest the powerful exploit the system while the powerless are left to bear the weight of punishment.

Even in the modern era, Aesop’s words retain their resonance. Instances abound where corporate leaders evade legal consequences for actions that harm countless lives, while minor infractions by the less influential are met with severity. The 2008 financial crisis illustrates this: bankers whose risky and unethical behavior precipitated economic collapse faced little accountability, while individuals committing petty fraud were prosecuted harshly. Aesop’s wisdom illuminates the recurring tension between justice, power, and privilege.

From this meditation emerges a timeless lesson: do not equate position with virtue, nor assume that authority ensures moral rectitude. Examine the actions of leaders, question the structures of power, and cultivate a discerning mind capable of recognizing inequity. Aesop teaches that the measure of justice is not in rank or influence, but in the consistency, fairness, and integrity with which it is applied.

Practical counsel flows naturally: engage in civic awareness, advocate for transparency, and uphold ethical standards in both personal and public life. Resist the temptation to defer to authority blindly, and hold all — great and small — accountable to principles of justice and virtue. By fostering a society where power is tempered with morality, one honors the wisdom of the ancients and the enduring truths of human governance.

Thus, O listener, let the words of Aesop illuminate your understanding: the disparity between the treatment of the petty and the exaltation of the powerful is a reflection of human folly and the corruptibility of institutions. Strive to discern, to question, and to uphold justice where it falters. In this vigilance lies the path to a more equitable world, where power is exercised with wisdom, and wrongdoing is met with fairness, regardless of station or ambition.