Aesop Quotes (92 Quotes)

Union gives strength.

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

After all is said and done, more is said than done.

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.

What a splendid head, yet no brain.

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

It is easy to be brave from a safe distance.

It is easy to be brave when far away from danger.

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

People often grudge others what they cannot enjoy themselves.

Much outcry, little outcome.

In union there is strength. 'Union gives strength' is the version in The Fables of Aesop, ed. Joseph Jacobs, p. 87 (1964).

Aesop, that master storyteller of old, told this fable A jar of honey was upset in a housekeeper's room, and a number of flies were attracted by its sweetness. Placing their feet in it, the flies ate greedily. Their feet, however, became so smeared with honey that they could not use their wings, nor release themselves, and they were suffocated. Just as they were dying, they exclaimed 'Oh, foolish creatures that we are, for the sake of a little pleasure we have destroyed ourselves.'

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

Thinking to get at once all the gold the goose could give, he killed it and opened it only to findnothing.

Appearances often are deceiving.

It is not only fine feathers that make fine birds.

We often give enemies the means of our own destruction.

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

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.

Example is the best precept.

Outside show is a poor substitute for inner worth.

Adventure is worthwhile.

Distrust interested advice.

Injuries may be forgiven, but not forgotten.

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

Please all, and you will please none.

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

Persuasion is often more effectual than force.

United we stand, divided we fall.

If you allow men to use you for your own purposes, they will use you for theirs.

Slow but steady wins the race.

The boy cried 'Wolf, wolf' and the villagers came out to help him.

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

Our insignificance is often the cause of our safety.

Only cowards insult dying majesty.

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

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

A huge gap appeared in the side of the mountain. At last a tiny mouse came forth.

Never trust the advice of a man in difficulties.

Enemies' promises were made to be broken.

Plodding wins the race.