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
He that is discontented in one place will seldom be happy in another.
—Aesop
Topics: Opportunities, Discontent, Reality
We hang the petty thieves and appoint the great ones to public office.
—Aesop
Topics: Government
We would often be sorry if our wishes were gratified.
—Aesop
Topics: One liners, Success is not everything, Wishes
Please all, and you will please none.
—Aesop
Topics: Praise, Pleasing
It is in vain to expect our prayers to be heard, if we do not strive as well as pray.
—Aesop
Topics: Prayer
Don’t count your chickens before they are hatched.
—Aesop
Topics: Expectation
No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted.
—Aesop
Topics: Kindness
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
The injuries we do, and those we suffer, are seldom weighed in the same scales.
—Aesop
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
Destroy the seed of evil, or it will grow up to your ruin.
—Aesop
Topics: Evil
Appearances are deceptive.
—Aesop
Topics: Appearance
United we stand; divided we fall.
—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
Topics: Help, Cooperation, Foresight
Wealth unused might as well not exist.
—Aesop
Topics: Wealth
Men often bear little grievances with less courage than they do large misfortunes.
—Aesop
Topics: Adversity
Appearances often are deceiving.
—Aesop
No Act of Kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.
—Aesop
Topics: Kindness, Work
Every truth has two sides; it is as well to look at both, before we commit ourselves to either.
—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
Never trust the advice of a man in difficulties.
—Aesop
Topics: Trust, Difficulty, Advice
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
Appearances are often deceiving.
—Aesop
Topics: Appearance
A crust eaten in peace is better than a banquet partaken in anxiety.
—Aesop
Topics: Stress, Anxiety
In union, there is strength.
—Aesop
Topics: Unity, Teamwork
Be content with your lot; one cannot be first in everything.
—Aesop
Topics: Appreciation, Gratitude, Blessings
People often grudge others what they cannot enjoy themselves.
—Aesop
We often give our enemies the means to our own destruction.
—Aesop
Topics: Enemies, War
It is easy to be brave from a safe distance.
—Aesop
Topics: Brave, Courage, Bravery
Little friends may prove great friends.
—Aesop
Topics: Friendship
Wondering Whom to Read Next?
Pythagoras Greek Philosopher
Epictetus Ancient Greek Philosopher
Plotinus Ancient Greek Philosopher, Mystic
Epicurus Greek Philosopher
Jerome Greek Priest
Aristotle Onassis Greek Shipping Magnate
John Chrysostom Archbishop of Constantinople
Hesiod Greek Poet
Nikos Kazantzakis Greek Novelist, Statesman
Euripides Ancient Greek Dramatist