Quotes from Aesop

Better be wise by the misfortunes of others than by your own.

Wise men say nothing in dangerous times

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

Whoever neglects old friends for the sake of new deserves what e gets if he loses both

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

The more you want, the more you stand to lose

Vices are their own punishment

There are many statues of men slaying lions, but if only the lions were sculptors there might be quite a different set of statues.

once upon a time all the rivers combined to protest against the action of the sea in making their waters salt. When we come to you, sad they to the sea, we are sweet and drinkable; but when once we have mingled with you, our waters become as briny and unpalatable as your own. The sea replied shortly, Keep away from me, and you'll remain sweet.

An Ass put on a Lion's skin and went About the foreset with much merriment, Scaring the foolish beasts by brooks and rocks, Till at last he tried to scare the Fox. But Reynard, hearing from beneath the mane That Raucous voice so petulant and vain, Remarked. O' Ass, I too would run away, But that I know your old familiar bray'. That's just the way with asses, just the way.

All men are more concerned to recover what they lose than to acquire what they lack.

It is with our passions, as it is with fire and water, they are good servants but bad masters.

Try as one may, it is impossible to deny one's nature

Injuries may be forgiven, but not forgotten

Expect no reward when you serve the wicked, and be thankful if you escape injury for your pain

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

It is easy to despise what you cannot get

Uninvited guests are often most welcome when they leave

The Astronomer AN ASTRONOMER used to go out at night to observe the stars. One evening, as he wandered through the suburbs with his whole attention fixed on the sky, he fell accidentally into a deep well. While he lamented and bewailed his sores and bruises, and cried loudly for help, a neighbor ran to the well, and learning what had happened said: Hark ye, old fellow, why, in striving to pry into what is in heaven, do you not manage to see what is on earth?

Notoriety is often mistaken for fame.

United you will be more than a match for your enemies. But if you quarrel and separate, your weakness will put you at the mercy of those who attack you.

Servants don't know a good master till they have served a worse.

THE FOX AND THE GRAPES A hungry Fox saw some fine bunches of Grapes hanging from a vine that was trained along a high trellis, and did his best to reach them by jumping as high as he could into the air. But it was all in vain, for they were just out of reach: so he gave up trying, and walked away with an air of dignity and unconcern, remarking, I thought those Grapes were ripe, but I see now they are quite sour.

Do not attempt to hide things which cannot be hidden.