Aesop (c.620–c.564 BCE) was a Greek fabulist and storyteller. The body of work that has come down to us under his name provides pointers to the culture of the Ancient World.
Aesop is the assumed author of the whole stock of Greek fables that are some of the most enduringly prevalent works of Ancient Greek literature. A rare example of the classical world that has survived, Aesop’s fables have kept children entertained for generations.
Aesop’s fables first became known to the West during the Renaissance by way of the 14th Century prose form composed by the Byzantine scholar Maximus Planudes.
Researchers debate whether Aesop existed at all, but the moral animal fables associated with Aesop were most likely collected from many sources and passed on orally.
According to legend, as in the novel The Aesop Romance (dated to the first or second centuries CE,) Aesop was an unsightly slave who was dumb until granted the power of speech by the Goddess Isis. In stories of his life, he is frequently found outsmarting his master and speaking truth to power employing his new gift of the gab.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Aesop
Appearances are deceptive.
—Aesop
Topics: Appearance
The shaft of the arrow had been feathered with one of the eagle’s own plumes. We often give our enemies the means of our own destruction.
—Aesop
Topics: War
We would often be sorry if our wishes were gratified.
—Aesop
Topics: Wishes, One liners, Success is not everything
Self-conceit may lead to self destruction.
—Aesop
Topics: Modesty, Pride
Beware lest you lose the substance by grasping at the shadow.
—Aesop
Topics: Danger, Illusion
Be content with your lot; one cannot be first in everything.
—Aesop
Topics: Gratitude, Blessings, Appreciation
The level of our success is limited only by our imagination and no act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted.
—Aesop
Topics: Imagination
It is in vain to expect our prayers to be heard, if we do not strive as well as pray.
—Aesop
Topics: Prayer
Union gives strength.
—Aesop
Topics: Cooperation, Help
A farmer who had a quarrelsome family called his sons and told them to lay a bunch of sticks before him. Then, after laying the sticks parallel to one another and binding them, he challenged his sons, one after one, to pick up the bundle and break it. They all tried, but in vain. Then, untying the bundle, he gave them the sticks to break one by one. This they did with the greatest ease. Then said the father, Thus, my sons, as long as you remain united, you are a match for anything, but differ and separate, and you are undone.
—Aesop
Topics: Family
Gratitude is the sign of noble souls.
—Aesop
Topics: Gratitude
Destroy the seed of evil, or it will grow up to your ruin.
—Aesop
Topics: Evil
A crust eaten in peace is better than a banquet partaken in anxiety.
—Aesop
Topics: Anxiety, Stress
Men often bear little grievances with less courage than they do large misfortunes.
—Aesop
Topics: Adversity
It is not only fine feathers that make fine birds.
—Aesop
Topics: Birds
Fools take to themselves the respect that is given to their office.
—Aesop
Topics: Respect, Power, Respectability
Enemies’ promises were made to be broken.
—Aesop
Topics: Enemy, Enemies
Little by little does the trick.
—Aesop
Topics: One Step at a Time, Little Things, Things
Affairs are easier of entrance than of exit; and it is but common prudence to see our way out before we venture in.
—Aesop
Topics: Foresight, Cooperation, Help
Appearances are often deceiving.
—Aesop
Topics: Appearance
Outside show is a poor substitute for inner worth.
—Aesop
Topics: Character, Appearance
Little friends may prove great friends.
—Aesop
Topics: Friendship
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
Topics: Enemies
It is easy to be brave from a safe distance.
—Aesop
Topics: Courage, Brave, Bravery
We should look to the mind, and not to the outward appearance.
—Aesop
Topics: Mind, The Mind
No Act of Kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.
—Aesop
Topics: Kindness, Work
Men often applaud an imitation and hiss the real thing.
—Aesop
Topics: Originality, Innovation, One liners
Never trust the advice of a man in difficulties.
—Aesop
Topics: Advice, Trust, Difficulty
We hang the petty thieves and appoint the great ones to public office.
—Aesop
Topics: Government
Wealth unused might as well not exist.
—Aesop
Topics: Wealth
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