Aesop Quotes

It is not only fine feathers that make fine birds.

United we stand, divided we fall.

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

Better be wise by the misfortunes of others than by your own.

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.

We hang the petty thieves and appoint the great ones to public office.

No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.

The little reed, bending to the force of the wind, soon stood upright again when the storm had passed over.

It is thrifty to prepare today for the wants of tomorrow.

Beware of a wolf in sheep's clothing.

Put your shoulder to the wheel.

Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

Uninvited guests are often most welcome when they leave

Little by little does the trick.

The smaller the mind the greater the conceit.

Do not count your chickens before they are hatched.

Gratitude is the sign of noble souls.

Those who voluntarily put power into the hands of a tyrant ... must not wonder if it be at last turned against themselves.

Please all, and you will please none.

The tyrant will always find a pretext for his tyranny.

The level of our success is limited only by our imagination and no act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted.

Self-conceit may lead to self destruction.

In union there is strength.

In serving the wicked, expect no reward, and be thankful if you escape injury for your pains.

Adversity tests the sincerity of friends

Beware lest you lose the substance by grasping at the shadow.

Don't cry over spilt milk.

The unhappy derive comfort from the misfortunes of others.

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.

Better to starve free than be a fat slave

Injuries may be forgiven, but not forgotten.

It is easy to be brave from a safe distance.

Vices are their own punishment

It is with our Passions, as it is with Fire and Water, they are 'Good Servants,' but 'Bad Masters.'

Persuasion is often more effectual than force.

A liar will not be believed, even when he speaks the truth.

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.

Appearances often are deceiving.

Those who cry the loudest are not always the ones who are hurt the most

The cat always leaves a mark on his friend.

The grateful heart will always find opportunities to show its gratitude.

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

Facts speak plainer than words

I thought these grapes were ripe, but I see now they are quite sour.

The haft of the arrow had been feathered with one of the eagle's own Lures. We often give our enemies the means of our own destruction.

Affairs are easier of entrance than of exit; and it is but common prudence to see our way out before we venture in.

He who shares the danger ought to share the prize.

A wild boar was sharpening his tusks upon the trunk of a tree in the forest when a fox came by and asked, Why are you doing that, pray? The huntsmen are not out today and there are no other dangers at hand that I can see. True, my friend, replied the Boar, but the instant my life is in danger, I shall need to use my tusks. There will be no time to sharpen them then.

There can be little liking where there is no likeness.

If you can't say anything nice, then don't say anything at all.