The fish rots from the head down

Meaning: Problems in an organization or society start at the top, with its leaders.

Origin: Turkish proverb (Balık baştan kokar), widely used across Slavic and Middle Eastern cultures.

Translations

French: Le poisson pourrit par la tête (literally: The fish rots from the head)
Spanish: El pez se pudre por la cabeza (literally: The fish rots from the head)
Japanese: 魚は頭から腐る (Sakana wa atama kara kusaru) (literally: A fish rots from the head)

The axe forgets, but the tree remembers — Those who cause harm often forget quickly, while those who suffer carry the wound far lon…
A house divided against itself cannot stand — Internal conflict destroys an organization from within; unity is essential for survival.
Judge not, lest ye be judged — We should refrain from judging others because we ourselves are imperfect.
If you light a lamp for somebody, it will also brighten your own path — Helping others ultimately benefits yourself as well.
There is no pillow so soft as a clear conscience — Peace of mind and restful sleep come only from living and acting honorably.
The more laws, the less justice — Excessive rules and regulations can undermine rather than promote fairness.

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