Top 261 Quotes & Sayings by Aesop

Explore popular quotes and sayings by a Greek author Aesop.
Last updated on December 5, 2024.
Aesop

Aesop was a Greek fabulist and storyteller credited with a number of fables now collectively known as Aesop's Fables. Although his existence remains unclear and no writings by him survive, numerous tales credited to him were gathered across the centuries and in many languages in a storytelling tradition that continues to this day. Many of the tales associated with him are characterized by anthropomorphic animal characters.

Greek - Author | 620 BC - 564 BC
Example is the best precept.
Be content with your lot; one cannot be first in everything.
Every truth has two sides; it is as well to look at both, before we commit ourselves to either. — © Aesop
Every truth has two sides; it is as well to look at both, before we commit ourselves to either.
United we stand, divided we fall.
He that is discontented in one place will seldom be happy in another.
Affairs are easier of entrance than of exit; and it is but common prudence to see our way out before we venture in.
Destroy the seed of evil, or it will grow up to your ruin.
He that always gives way to others will end in having no principles of his own.
A doubtful friend is worse than a certain enemy. Let a man be one thing or the other, and we then know how to meet him.
Slow but steady wins the race.
The gods help them that help themselves.
The level of our success is limited only by our imagination and no act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted.
Self-conceit may lead to self destruction. — © Aesop
Self-conceit may lead to self destruction.
Better be wise by the misfortunes of others than by your own.
Familiarity breeds contempt.
Never trust the advice of a man in difficulties.
Don't let your special character and values, the secret that you know and no one else does, the truth - don't let that get swallowed up by the great chewing complacency.
Men often applaud an imitation and hiss the real thing.
The little reed, bending to the force of the wind, soon stood upright again when the storm had passed over.
Please all, and you will please none.
We should look to the mind, and not to the outward appearance.
Our insignificance is often the cause of our safety.
We hang the petty thieves and appoint the great ones to public office.
Plodding wins the race.
A liar will not be believed, even when he speaks the truth.
No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.
A crust eaten in peace is better than a banquet partaken in anxiety.
Do not count your chickens before they are hatched.
It is with our passions as it is with fire and water, they are good servants, but bad masters.
It is thrifty to prepare today for the wants of tomorrow.
We would often be sorry if our wishes were gratified.
The injuries we do and those we suffer are seldom weighed in the same scales.
Persuasion is often more effectual than force.
After all is said and done, more is said than done.
People often grudge others what they cannot enjoy themselves.
It is not only fine feathers that make fine birds.
It is easy to be brave from a safe distance.
It is in vain to expect our prayers to be heard, if we do not strive as well as pray. — © Aesop
It is in vain to expect our prayers to be heard, if we do not strive as well as pray.
Beware that you do not lose the substance by grasping at the shadow.
Adventure is worthwhile.
The unhappy derive comfort from the misfortunes of others.
Beware lest you lose the substance by grasping at the shadow.
Injuries may be forgiven, but not forgotten.
Put your shoulder to the wheel.
Appearances are often deceiving.
Any excuse will serve a tyrant.
Outside show is a poor substitute for inner worth.
Gratitude is the sign of noble souls. — © Aesop
Gratitude is the sign of noble souls.
We often give our enemies the means for our own destruction.
If you allow men to use you for your own purposes, they will use you for theirs.
The smaller the mind the greater the conceit.
Those who voluntarily put power into the hands of a tyrant ... must not wonder if it be at last turned against themselves.
One who steals has no right to complain if he is robbed.
Every man carries two bags about him, one in front and one behind, and both are full of faults. The bag in front contains his neighbors' faults, the one behind his own. Hence it is that men do not see their own faults, but never fail to see those of others.
It is one thing to say that something should be done, but quite a different matter to do it.
The grateful heart will always find opportunities to show its gratitude.
If you can't say anything nice, then don't say anything at all.
If you choose bad companions, no one will believe that you are anything but bad yourself.
Better to starve free than be a fat slave
The desire for imaginary benefits often involves the loss of present blessings.
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