Why is this quote from the Talmud important?"Join the company of lions rather than assume the lead among foxes."

I haven't read this work, but just from a literary point
of view, this quote uses the understood qualities of animals to shed light on humanity. 
For instance, lions are noble creatures, and although there is always a "leader" or
"alpha cat," they hunt equally and live as equals in a community.  Foxes, on the other
hand, while clever and witty, are also known as being devious, wiley, and completely
untrustworthy.  Foxes are usually loners as well.

So, the
quote would make it clear that it is more honorable and noble to live peacefully in a
commune of lions who have your back (even if it means that you don't stand out or assume
leadership), than to believe that you are "in charge" of a bunch of backstabbing
foxes. 

Hope this helps in some small
way.