Greek proverb

Greek proverb:  

English translation:  The fish smells rotten from the head first.

What do you think this proverb means?

(a)  The proverb is about corruption in an organization.  When things rot or go bad, the rot starts at the higher levels of the company and then travels down.   

(b)  The proverb is about over-thinking.  If you think too much, or become obsessed, about something, you may cause psychological damage which can negatively affect every aspect of your life.

(c)  The proverb is about pride.  When you get too conceited, or 'big-headed', things are going to start going wrong in your life.  The proverb advises us not to become too self important, because pride comes before a fall.

The answer is (a).  Corruption starts at the top. For example, when a company goes bankrupt or gets into trouble, you can usually find that the trouble started at the executive level.  Click here to see more Greek proverbs.

Thanks to my colleague Lindi for sharing this proverb, and my son Corin for this photograph