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
A liar will not be believed, even when he speaks the truth.
—Aesop
The smaller the mind the greater the conceit.
—Aesop
Injuries may be forgiven, but not forgotten.
—Aesop
People often grudge others what they cannot enjoy themselves.
—Aesop
Fools take to themselves the respect that is given to their office.
—Aesop
Topics: Power
Little friends may prove great friends.
—Aesop
Topics: Friendship
It is easy to be brave when far away from danger.
—Aesop
Topics: Danger, Risk
Slow and steady wins the race.
—Aesop
Topics: Patience, Endurance, Resolve, Perseverance
It is in vain to expect our prayers to be heard, if we do not strive as well as pray.
—Aesop
Topics: Prayer
Appearances often are deceiving.
—Aesop
We would often be sorry if our wishes were gratified.
—Aesop
Topics: One liners
Fine feathers make fine birds.
—Aesop
I will have nought to do with a man who can blow hot and cold with the same breath.
—Aesop
United we stand; divided we fall.
—Aesop
Don’t count your chickens before they are hatched.
—Aesop
Topics: Expectation
An oak and a reed were arguing about their strength. When a strong wind came up, the reed avoided being uprooted by bending and leaning with the gusts of wind. But the oak stood firm and was torn up by the roots.
—Aesop
Topics: Acceptance
Example is the best precept.
—Aesop
Topics: Example
A crust eaten in peace is better than a banquet partaken in anxiety.
—Aesop
Topics: Anxiety, Stress
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
Familiarity breeds contempt.
—Aesop
Topics: Knowledge, Familiarity
In union, there is strength.
—Aesop
Every truth has two sides; it is as well to look at both, before we commit ourselves to either.
—Aesop
No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted.
—Aesop
Topics: Kindness
Please all, and you will please none.
—Aesop
Topics: Pleasing, Praise
The injuries we do, and those we suffer, are seldom weighed in the same scales.
—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
Topics: Enemies
Destroy the seed of evil, or it will grow up to your ruin.
—Aesop
Topics: Evil
Only cowards insult dying majesty.
—Aesop
Outside show is a poor substitute for inner worth.
—Aesop
Topics: Appearance, Character
Man, don’t sprawl there. Get up and put your shoulder to the wheel. The gods help them that help themselves.
—Aesop
Wondering Whom to Read Next?
Pythagoras Greek Philosopher
Epictetus Ancient Greek Philosopher
Plotinus Ancient Greek Philosopher, Mystic
Epicurus Greek Philosopher
Aristotle Onassis Greek Shipping Magnate
Nikos Kazantzakis Greek Novelist, Statesman
John Chrysostom Archbishop of Constantinople
Hesiod Greek Poet
Jerome Greek Priest
Socrates Ancient Greek Philosopher