Cutting off the tops of corn stalks

[vclouds]

I have a quandary for you. I'm writing a story right now and a character makes a reference to a specific story. The character is a knowledgeable type, though, a philosophy major, and I feel like he should know the specifics of the story he's trying to refer to, but I can't for the life of me remember where I heard it or it's origins. Hence, I'd like to plumb your minds for the solution. Here's the story, as I can remember it:

There's these two leaders or dictators or governors or something, let's call them Jeff and Jack. Well, Jeff comes to visit Jack's city-state or country or whatever, and he asks Jack how he keeps his people so well controlled, or how to govern, or something similar. Instead of answering Jeff, Jack takes Jeff out into a cornfield and uses his sword to cut off the top of all the corn plants that stand taller than the rest, making all the stalks even. He doesn't explain what he means, but the idea is that he keeps his people controlled by discouraging individuality and outstanding members of the society.

Anyone know what that is or where it's from? The way that it goes makes lean toward the story being Chinese, but I can't say that it is for sure. It might not be.

I'd really appreciate it if anyone had any insight. A link, a name, anything that would help me find the story/fable/proverb, or whatever it is. Thanks.

 

[WickedWitch]

This is the story of Thrasybulus and (a messenger from) Periander from Herodotus's Histories.

 

[vclouds]

Thanks so much!