Aesop Quotes

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 are characterized by animals and inanimate objects that speak, solve problems, and generally have human characteristics.

Scattered details of Aesop's life can be found in ancient sources, including Aristotle, Herodotus, and Plutarch. An ancient literary work called The Aesop Romance tells an episodic, probably highly fictional version of his life, including the traditional description of him as a strikingly ugly slave who by his cleverness acquires freedom and becomes an adviser to kings and city-states. Older spellings of his name have included Esop and Isope. Depictions of Aesop in popular culture over the last 2500 years have included many works of art and his appearance as a character in numerous books, films, plays, and television programs. Wikipedia  

✵ 620 BC – 564 BC   •   Other names Aisópos Ezop
Aesop photo

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Aesop: 36   quotes 20   likes

Famous Aesop Quotes

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

The Lion and the Mouse.
Variant: No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.

“Appearances often are deceiving.”

The Wolf in Sheep's Clothing.

“Any excuse will serve a tyrant.”

The Wolf and the Lamb.

“Self-conceit may lead to self-destruction.”

The Frog and the Ox.

Aesop Quotes

“Familiarity breeds contempt.”

The Fox and the Lion.
Variant: Acquaintance softens prejudices.

“Never trust the advice of a man in difficulties.”

The Fox and the Goat.

“It is easy to be brave from a safe distance.”

The Wolf and the Kid.

“Don't cry over spilt milk.”

The Milkmaid and Her Pail.

“Spot the falsehood of history and find out the truth.”

The Spartan Lies.

“Better no rule than cruel rule.”

Aesop's Fables

“I am sure the grapes are sour.”

The Fox and the Grapes.

“Be careful of rich and powerful men for they will do nothing for your sake.”

The Greediest Man On Earth.

“Put your shoulder to the wheel.”

Hercules and the Wagoner.

“Do not count your chickens before they are hatched.”

The Milkmaid and Her Pail.

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

The Lion, The Ass, And The Fox Hunting.

“Any number of lies will serve a rich and evil man.”

The Evil Liar.

“Beware the wolf in sheep's clothing.”

The Wolf in Sheep's Clothing.

“Slow and steady wins the race.”

The Hare and the Tortoise.

“Enemies' promises were made to be broken.”

The Nurse and the Wolf http://books.google.com/books?id=5llsEPwcG2wC&q=%22promises+were+made+to+be+broken%22&pg=PA109#v=onepage, as translated by Joseph Jacobs (1894).

“Union gives strength.”

The Bundle of Sticks.
Source: Aleksandr Panayotov Aleksandrov (2021) cited in " Bulgarian cosmonaut urges international cooperation for Mars, Moon missions https://www.reuters.com/article/bulgaria-cosmonauts-idUSL8N21T1Z6" on Reuters, 11 April 2019.

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

The Dog and the Shadow.

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

Juno and the Peacock.

“We would often be sorry if our wishes were gratified.”

The Old Man and Death.

“Persuasion is often more effectual than force.”

The Wind and the Sun.

“The gods help them that help themselves.”

Hercules and the Wagoner.

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