Aesop's Fables

by Aesop

Much wants more and loses all.

If you are wise you won’t be deceived by the innocent airs of those whom you have once found to be dangerous.

Notoriety is often mistaken for fame.

who is going to bell the cat?”

Look and see which way the wind blows before you commit yourself.

“You have a voice, madam, I see: what you want is wits.”

“If you really want me to look sleek and well, you must comb me less and feed me more.”

One swallow does not make summer.

Betray a friend, and you’ll often find you have ruined yourself.

Persuasion is better than force.

Better poverty without a care than wealth with its many obligations.

You may play a good card once too often.

You cannot believe a liar even when he tells the truth.

Look before your leap.

“I’m only a little fish now,” it said, “but I shall grow big one day, and then if you come and catch me again I shall be of some use to you.” But the Fisherman replied, “Oh, no, I shall keep you now I’ve got you: if I put you back, should I ever see you again? Not likely!”

“Just go to Rhodes and ask them,” he said; “every one will tell you it’s true.” But one of those who were listening said, “If you can jump as well as all that, we needn’t go to Rhodes to prove it. Let’s just imagine this is Rhodes for a minute: and now—jump!” Deeds, not words.

I’ll follow your example.” The Old Crab tried, but tried in vain, and then saw how foolish she had been to find fault with her child. Example is better than precept.

Be shy of favours bestowed at the expense of others.

Show gratitude where gratitude is due.

Union is strength.

Give assistance, not advice, in a crisis.

Physician, heal thyself.

Utility is most men’s test of worth.

They complain most who suffer least.

Do not attempt too much at once.

“We had much better be friends than fight and be eaten by vultures.”

“It is hard,” it cried, “that the very persons who enjoy my fruit should thus reward me with insults and blows.”

There are two sides to every question.

Sea for its treachery in enticing men with its smooth and smiling surface, and then, when they were well embarked, turning in fury upon them and sending both ship and sailors to destruction. The Sea arose in the form of a woman, and replied, “Lay not the blame on me, O sailor, but on the Winds. By nature I am as calm and safe as the land itself: but the Winds fall upon me with their gusts and gales, and lash me into a fury that is not natural to me.”

Those who will not work deserve to starve.

What is worth most is often valued least.

Greatness carries its own penalties.

“Fate has allotted to all their destined gifts: to yourself beauty, to the eagle strength, to the nightingale song, and so on to all the rest in their degree; but you alone are dissatisfied with your portion. Make, then, no more complaints. For, if your present wish were granted, you would quickly find cause for fresh discontent.”

A hypocrite deceives no one but himself.

“And if so, do you think they’ll make me carry heavier loads than I have to now?” “No,” said his master. “Oh, well, then,” said the Ass, “I don’t mind if they do take me, for I shan’t be any worse off.”

When I honoured you, you did me no good whatever: but no sooner do I treat you to insults and violence than you make a rich man of me!”

Heaven helps those who help themselves.

no one the better for it except the Fox!”

You may delude others into thinking you’re as brave as a lion: but I know that, at the first sign of danger, you run away like a hare.”

Might makes right.

“To warm my hands,”

“To cool my porridge,”

I can’t be friends with a man who blows hot and cold with the same breath.”

“If your god is all you make him out to be, how is it you don’t keep him and make the most of him yourself?” “I’ll tell you why,” replied he; “he brings gain, it is true, but he takes his time about it; whereas I want money at once.”

Quality, not quantity.

who invariably take from every one and never give anything in return.”

The covetous are poor givers.

The want of a good excuse never kept a villain from crime.

Slow and steady wins the race.

even though all the Butchers perish, mankind will never go without their beef.”