Aesop (620 BC - 560 BC)

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

In critical moments even the very powerful have need of the weakest.

It is easy to be brave from a safe distance.

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

Never trust the advice of a man in difficulties.

Persuasion is often more effectual than force.

The smaller the mind the greater the conceit.

We hang the petty thieves and appoint the great ones to public office.

What a splendid head, yet no brain.

Put your shoulder to the wheel.

The gods help them that help themselves.

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

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

Union gives strength.

Beware lest you lose the substance by grasping at the shadow.

People often grudge others what they cannot enjoy themselves.

The shaft of the arrow had been feathered with one of the eagle's own plumes. We often give our enemies the means of our own destruction.

I am sure the grapes are sour.

Familiarity breed contempt.

Self-conceit may lead to self-destruction.

Thinking to get at once all the gold the goose could give, he killed it and opened it only to find - nothing.

Slow and steady wins the race.

It is not only fine feathers that make fine birds.

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

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.

I will have naught to do with a man who can blow hot and cold with the same breath.

Do not count your chickens before they are hatched.

We would often be sorry if our wishes were gratified.