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
It is in vain to expect our prayers to be heard, if we do not strive as well as pray.
—Aesop
Topics: Prayer
The little reed, bending to the force of the wind, soon stood upright again when the storm had passed over.
—Aesop
Topics: Adventure
Kindness effects more than severity.
—Aesop
Topics: Service, Compassion, Kindness
Fools take to themselves the respect that is given to their office.
—Aesop
Topics: Power, Respect, Respectability
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
Men often applaud an imitation and hiss the real thing.
—Aesop
Topics: One liners, Originality, Innovation
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
Fine feathers make fine birds.
—Aesop
Enemies’ promises were made to be broken.
—Aesop
Topics: Enemies, Enemy
I will have nought to do with a man who can blow hot and cold with the same breath.
—Aesop
Appearances are often deceiving.
—Aesop
Topics: Appearance
Man, don’t sprawl there. Get up and put your shoulder to the wheel. The gods help them that help themselves.
—Aesop
Obscurity brings safety.
—Aesop
We would often be sorry if our wishes were gratified.
—Aesop
Topics: Wishes, One liners, Success is not everything
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 easy to be brave when far away from danger.
—Aesop
Topics: Danger, Risk
Self-conceit may lead to self destruction.
—Aesop
Topics: Modesty, Pride
People often grudge others what they cannot enjoy themselves.
—Aesop
Injuries may be forgiven, but not forgotten.
—Aesop
It is easy to be brave from a safe distance.
—Aesop
Topics: Courage, Brave, Bravery
Our insignificance is often the cause of our safety.
—Aesop
Topics: Safety
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
Any excuse will serve a tyrant.
—Aesop
Topics: Excuses
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
Slow and steady wins the race.
—Aesop
Topics: Endurance, Patience, Perseverance, Resolve
It is not only fine feathers that make fine birds.
—Aesop
Topics: Birds
Example is the best precept.
—Aesop
Topics: Example
In union, there is strength.
—Aesop
Topics: Unity, Teamwork
Beware lest you lose the substance by grasping at the shadow.
—Aesop
Topics: Danger, Illusion
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