Aesop was an Ancient Greek fabulist or story teller credited with a number of fables now collectively known as Aesop’s Fables. Or he could have been!
It is not absolutely certain that he ever existed, although some people claim that he lived from 620–564 BCE. The problem is that none of his original writings have survived. The fables or tales which bear his name have simply developed over the centuries.
So, did Aesop actually write or speak any of these quotes?
What is unique to his fables is that they are characterized by animals and inanimate objects that speak, solve problems, and generally have human characteristics.
An ancient literary work called The Aesop Romance tells a probably highly fictional version of his life, including the traditional description of him as a strikingly ugly slave
Ugly or not, there is wisdom in these quotes of Aesop.
Check them out:
- No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.
- Every truth has two sides; it is as well to look at both, before we commit ourselves to either.
- We hang the petty thieves and appoint the great ones to public office.
- Appearances are often deceiving.
- Please all, and you will please none.
- After all is said and done, more is said than done.
- It is not only fine feathers that make fine birds.
- The smaller the mind the greater the conceit.
- A crust eaten in peace is better than a banquet partaken in anxiety.
- It is easy to be brave from a safe distance.
- Familiarity breeds contempt.
- The gods help them that help themselves.
- United we stand, divided we fall.
- Do not count your chickens before they are hatched.
- Never trust the advice of a man in difficulties.
As we said, Aesop’s quotes are wise – even if they’re not his.
Did you recognize some familiar favorites? Have you ever read his fables?
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