Peter the Great:

When you have to deal with a bear, you have to kill it or let it run away. You cannot just cut off its paws and expect it to be harmless.

— Peter the Great Early Modern

Modernizer of Russia

A metaphor for dealing with enemies or difficult situations.

Early 18th century

Verification

Unverifiable

Found in 1 providers: grok

Cross Reference

1 source

"The Russian people are like children who will never learn their alphabet unless compelled by their teacher."

"I have not been able to find a single good general; I must be my own."

"Take example from the bees; they work for the common good."

"I have no time for idleness."

"I have often been accused of cruelty, but I have never been cruel without reason."