Aesop Sayings, a legendary figure from ancient Greece, believed to have lived around the 6th century BC, is renowned for his fables—short, moralistic tales often featuring animals that mirror human behaviors and teach universal lessons. Traditionally depicted as a former slave who gained freedom through his storytelling prowess, Aesop’s fables, such as “The Tortoise and the Hare” and “The Boy Who Cried Wolf,” were transmitted orally and later compiled by figures like Phaedrus and Babrius. These sayings, drawn from his fables, function as concise pearls of wisdom, offering insights into honesty, kindness, perseverance, and human nature. The 15 sayings below—sourced from his fables and secondary accounts like BrainyQuote, Wikiquote, and QuoteFancy—capture Aesop’s timeless moral guidance and enduring narrative charm.
15 Aesop Sayings
- “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” (The Lion and the Mouse, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “Slow but steady wins the race.” (The Tortoise and the Hare, AZQuotes, n.d.)
- “A liar will not be believed, even when he speaks the truth.” (The Boy Who Cried Wolf, Goodreads, n.d.)
- “United we stand, divided we fall.” (The Four Oxen and the Lion, Wikiquote, 2006)
- “Please all, and you will please none.” (The Man, the Boy, and the Donkey, minimalistquotes.com, 2022)
- “The gods help them that help themselves.” (Hercules and the Waggoner, AZQuotes, n.d.)
- “Familiarity breeds contempt.” (The Fox and the Lion, QuotePark, n.d.)
- “Fine clothes may disguise, but foolish words will disclose a fool.” (The Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing, Wikiquote, 2006)
- “Better be wise by the misfortunes of others than by your own.” (The Fox and the Grapes, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “In critical moments, even the very powerful have need of the weakest.” (The Lion and the Mouse, lenquotes.com, 2021)
- “The injury we do and the one we suffer are not weighed in the same scales.” (The Wolf and the Lamb, QuoteFancy, n.d.)
- “It is easy to be brave from a safe distance.” (The Wolf and the Kid, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “He that finds discontentment in one place is not likely to find happiness in another.” (The Ass and His Driver, quotefancy.com, n.d.)
- “Gentle words and kind actions can tame even the fiercest heart.” (The North Wind and the Sun, Wikiquote, 2006)
- “Adversity tests the sincerity of friends.” (The Two Fellows and the Bear, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
Aesop’s sayings are a vibrant mix of concise wisdom, moral insight, and timeless truth, urging readers to reflect on their choices and live with integrity. Which one’s got you inspired to act wiser? Drop it in the comments and keep his legendary sayings alive!
Emma Thompson
Hi, I'm Emma Thompson, founder of MyLittleDesire. I share relationship advice, love quotes, and thoughtful gift ideas to help you express your feelings and strengthen your bonds. Let's celebrate love together!
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