Who said “Join the company of lions rather than assume the lead among foxes.”?

Paraphrased

The Talmud, in different words: the idea is theirs, but this popular wording has been altered from the original.

SourceMishnah, Pirkei Avot 4:15 (R. Mattia ben Harash): 'Be a tail to lions rather than a head to foxes'

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“Join the company of lions rather than assume the lead among foxes.”
— The Talmud
Original (Hebrew), Pirkei Avot 4:15

וֶהֱוֵי זָנָב לָאֲרָיוֹת, וְאַל תְּהִי רֹאשׁ לַשּׁוּעָלִים

Text: Torat Emet via Sefaria (public domain)

ParaphrasedMishnah, Pirkei Avot 4:15 (R. Mattia ben Harash): 'Be a tail to lions rather than a head to foxes' · evidenceFriends and Friendship

Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: Mishnah, Pirkei Avot 4:15 (R. Mattia ben Harash): 'Be a tail to lions rather than a head to foxes'.

APA

The Talmud (n.d.). Join the company of lions rather than assume the lead among foxes. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/18930-join-the-company-of-lions-rather-than-assume/

MLA

The Talmud. “Join the company of lions rather than assume the lead among foxes.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/18930-join-the-company-of-lions-rather-than-assume/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

The Talmud. “Join the company of lions rather than assume the lead among foxes.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/18930-join-the-company-of-lions-rather-than-assume/.

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