Inspirational Quotations

Inspirational Quotes by Aesop (Greek Fabulist)

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.

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Destroy the seed of evil, or it will grow up to your ruin.
Aesop
Topics: Evil

Only cowards insult dying majesty.
Aesop

We would often be sorry if our wishes were gratified.
Aesop
Topics: Success is not everything, Wishes, One liners

Wealth unused might as well not exist.
Aesop
Topics: Wealth

Better be wise by the misfortunes of others than by your own.
Aesop
Topics: Misfortune

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

Never trust the advice of a man in difficulties.
Aesop
Topics: Advice, Trust, Difficulty

Little friends may prove great friends.
Aesop
Topics: Friendship

Men often applaud an imitation and hiss the real thing.
Aesop
Topics: Originality, Innovation, One liners

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

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

Fine feathers make fine birds.
Aesop

No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted.
Aesop
Topics: Kindness

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

We hang the petty thieves and appoint the great ones to public office.
Aesop
Topics: Government

Little by little does the trick.
Aesop
Topics: Little Things, One Step at a Time, Things

Beware lest you lose the substance by grasping at the shadow.
Aesop
Topics: Illusion, Danger

Any excuse will serve a tyrant.
Aesop
Topics: Excuses

I will have nought to do with a man who can blow hot and cold with the same breath.
Aesop

It is easy to be brave from a safe distance.
Aesop
Topics: Bravery, Courage, Brave

Self-conceit may lead to self destruction.
Aesop
Topics: Pride, Modesty

Fools take to themselves the respect that is given to their office.
Aesop
Topics: Respect, Power, Respectability

Kindness effects more than severity.
Aesop
Topics: Kindness, Service, Compassion

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

Plodding wins the race.
Aesop
Topics: Perseverance, Endurance, Resolve

There once was a bald man who sat down after work on a hot summer’s day. A fly came up and kept buzzing about his bald pate, and stinging him from time to time. The man aimed a blow at his little enemy, but – whack – his palm come on his own head instead; again the fly tormented him, but this time the man was wiser and said: “you will only injure yourself if you take notice of dispicable enemies.”
Aesop
Topics: Enemies, Enemy

Outside show is a poor substitute for inner worth.
Aesop
Topics: Appearance, Character

Obscurity brings safety.
Aesop

The unhappy derive comfort from the misfortunes of others.
Aesop
Topics: Unhappiness, One liners, Fortune, Misfortunes

No Act of Kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.
Aesop
Topics: Work, Kindness

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