Top 261 Quotes & Sayings by Aesop

Explore popular quotes and sayings by a Greek author Aesop.

Last updated on December 25, 2024.

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

Source: Wikipedia

Example is the best precept.

Aesop

Be content with your lot; one cannot be first in everything.

Aesop

Every truth has two sides; it is as well to look at both, before we commit ourselves to either.

Aesop

United we stand, divided we fall.

Aesop

He that is discontented in one place will seldom be happy in another.

Aesop

Affairs are easier of entrance than of exit; and it is but common prudence to see our way out before we venture in.

Aesop

Destroy the seed of evil, or it will grow up to your ruin.

Aesop

He that always gives way to others will end in having no principles of his own.

Aesop

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.

Aesop

Slow but steady wins the race.

Aesop

The gods help them that help themselves.

Aesop

The level of our success is limited only by our imagination and no act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted.

Aesop

Self-conceit may lead to self destruction.

Aesop

Better be wise by the misfortunes of others than by your own.

Aesop

Familiarity breeds contempt.

Aesop

Never trust the advice of a man in difficulties.

Aesop

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.

Aesop

Men often applaud an imitation and hiss the real thing.

Aesop

The little reed, bending to the force of the wind, soon stood upright again when the storm had passed over.

Aesop

Please all, and you will please none.

Aesop

We should look to the mind, and not to the outward appearance.

Aesop

Our insignificance is often the cause of our safety.

Aesop

We hang the petty thieves and appoint the great ones to public office.

Aesop

Plodding wins the race.

Aesop

A liar will not be believed, even when he speaks the truth.

Aesop

No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.

Aesop

A crust eaten in peace is better than a banquet partaken in anxiety.

Aesop

Do not count your chickens before they are hatched.

Aesop

It is with our passions as it is with fire and water, they are good servants, but bad masters.

Aesop

It is thrifty to prepare today for the wants of tomorrow.

Aesop

We would often be sorry if our wishes were gratified.

Aesop

The injuries we do and those we suffer are seldom weighed in the same scales.

Aesop

Persuasion is often more effectual than force.

Aesop

After all is said and done, more is said than done.

Aesop

People often grudge others what they cannot enjoy themselves.

Aesop

It is not only fine feathers that make fine birds.

Aesop

It is easy to be brave from a safe distance.

Aesop

It is in vain to expect our prayers to be heard, if we do not strive as well as pray.

Aesop

Beware that you do not lose the substance by grasping at the shadow.

Aesop

Adventure is worthwhile.

Aesop

The unhappy derive comfort from the misfortunes of others.

Aesop

Beware lest you lose the substance by grasping at the shadow.

Aesop

Injuries may be forgiven, but not forgotten.

Aesop

Put your shoulder to the wheel.

Aesop

Appearances are often deceiving.

Aesop

Any excuse will serve a tyrant.

Aesop

Outside show is a poor substitute for inner worth.

Aesop

Gratitude is the sign of noble souls.

Aesop

We often give our enemies the means for our own destruction.

Aesop

If you allow men to use you for your own purposes, they will use you for theirs.

Aesop

The smaller the mind the greater the conceit.

Aesop

Those who voluntarily put power into the hands of a tyrant ... must not wonder if it be at last turned against themselves.

Aesop

One who steals has no right to complain if he is robbed.

Aesop

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.

Aesop

It is one thing to say that something should be done, but quite a different matter to do it.

Aesop

The grateful heart will always find opportunities to show its gratitude.

Aesop

If you can't say anything nice, then don't say anything at all.

Aesop

If you choose bad companions, no one will believe that you are anything but bad yourself.

Aesop

Better to starve free than be a fat slave

Aesop

The desire for imaginary benefits often involves the loss of present blessings.