Aesop Quotes

It is easy to be brave from a safe distance.

United we stand, divided we fall.

If you choose bad companions, no one will believe that you are anything but bad yourself.

The smaller the mind the greater the conceit.

Please all, and you will please none.

Adversity tests the sincerity of friends

We often give our enemies the means for our own destruction.

It is not only fine feathers that make fine birds.

Beware that you do not lose the substance by grasping at the shadow.

Better beans and bacon in peace than cakes and ale in fear.

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

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

Outside show is a poor substitute for inner worth.

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.

The unhappy derive comfort from the misfortunes of others.

In union there is strength.

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

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

Self-conceit may lead to self destruction.

A crust eaten in peace is better than a banquet partaken in anxiety.

Appearances are often deceiving.

Familiarity breeds contempt.

Do not count your chickens before they are hatched.

He that is discontented in one place will seldom be happy in another.

While I see many hoof marks going in, I see none coming out. It is easier to get into the enemy's toils than out again.

Better to starve free than be a fat slave

It is with our passions as it is with fire and water, they are good servants, but bad masters.

Be content with your lot; one cannot be first in everything.

Vices are their own punishment

Only cowards insult dying majesty.

Our insignificance is often the cause of our safety.

You may share the labors of the great, but you will not share the spoil.

Enemies' promises were made to be broken.

The gods help them who help themselves.

A farmer who had a quarrelsome family called his sons and told them to lay a bunch of sticks before him. Then, after laying the sticks parallel to one another and binding them, he challenged his sons, one after one, to pick up the bundle and break it. They all tried, but in vain. Then, untying the bundle, he gave them the sticks to break one by one. This they did with the greatest ease. Then said the father, "Thus, my sons, as long as you remain united, you are a match for anything, but differ and separate, and you are undone".

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

Kindness effects more than severity.

There can be little liking where there is no likeness.

We often despise what is most useful to us.

Any excuse will serve a tyrant.

Put your shoulder to the wheel.

In critical moments even the very powerful have need of the weakest.

Thinking to get at once all the gold the goose could give, he killed it and opened it only to find-nothing.

What a splendid head, yet no brain.

We would often be sorry if our wishes were gratified.

Men often applaud an imitation and hiss the real thing.

Plodding wins the race.

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

Slow but steady wins the race.

I am sure the grapes are sour.

Destroy the seed of evil, or it will grow up to your ruin.

The haft of the arrow had been feathered with one of the eagles own plumes. We often give our enemies the means of our own destruction.

We should look to the mind, and not to the outward appearance.

It is in vain to expect our prayers to be heard, if we do not strive as well as pray.

Fools take to themselves the respect that is given to their office.

Injuries may be forgiven, but not forgotten.

Union gives strength.

Persuasion is often more effectual than force.

People often grudge others what they cannot enjoy themselves.

Men often bear little grievances with less courage than they do large misfortunes.

Little friends may prove great friends.

Example is the best precept.