Aesop Quotes

Aesop Quote: The gods help them who help themselves.
1 | 2

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

Aesop (The Dog and the Shadow)

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

Aesop (The Lion and the Mouse)

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

Aesop (Juno and the Peacock)

Our insignificance is often the cause of our safety. 

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

The unhappy derive comfort from the misfortunes of others. 

Aesop

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

Aesop

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

Aesop

It is not only fine feathers that make fine birds. 

Aesop (The Jay and the Peacock)

Men often applaud an imitation and hiss the real thing. 

Aesop

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

Aesop

Beware the wolf in sheep's clothing.

Aesop

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

Aesop (The Man and the Satyr)

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

Aesop (The Dog in the Manger)

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

Aesop

Injuries may be forgiven, but not forgotten. 

Aesop

What a splendid head, yet no brain.

Aesop

Outside show is a poor substitute for inner worth. 

Aesop

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

Aesop

Any excuse will serve a tyrant.

Aesop

Little by little does the trick.

Aesop



Put your shoulder to the wheel.

Aesop (Hercules and the Wagoner)

Do not count your chickens before they are hatched.

Aesop (The Milkmaid and Her Pail)

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

Aesop (The Ant and the Grasshopper)

We would often be sorry if our wishes were gratified.

Aesop (The Old Man and Death)

Union gives strength.

Aesop (The Bundle of Sticks)

Don't cry over spilt milk.

Aesop (The Milkmaid and Her Pail)

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

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

Aesop

Example is the best precept. 

Aesop

1 | 2

Aesop Biography

Born: 620 BCE
Died: 564 BCE

Aesop was an ancient Greek writer. He is credited with quite a few popular fables, although his existence remains uncertain.

Notable Works

The Fox and the Grapes
The Tortoise and the Hare
The Boy Who Cried Wolf
The Cat and the Mice

The North Wind and the Sun

The Mountain in Labour
The Lion's Share
The Ant and the Grasshopper
The Dog and the Shadow

Related Authors
Aeschylus
Aristophanes
Democritus
Herodotus
Pythagoras
Socrates
Thucydides
Xenophon