Aesop’s Fables are cherished on bookshelves everywhere. Though Aesop was the name of an author who was credited with supposedly contributing to writing the Fables, and ancient resources describe him as a haggard slave living in Ancient Greece, a collection of his writings have nevertheless survived to the present era and remain memorable and digestible staples of literature. Like a lot of children in primary school, I was introduced to Aesop.
Unlike a lot of coming-of-age teenagers, I was introduced to Aesop once more during my teen years and renewed myself to admire the depth of each character after I became interested in reading more literature. This collection of quotations extracted from Aesop’s Fables will invite you to appreciate not just the writing in the Fables but to question the connection between Ancient Greek wisdom and knowledge and how it might influence the knowledge and wisdom you will teach in the future.
1. It’s Always Worth It To Try Helping Yourself
“God helps them that help themselves.”
2. Vices Are A Form Of Self-Punishment
“Vices are their own punishment.”
3. Don’t Attempt Perfection; Settle With Good
“Be content with your lot; one cannot be first in everything.”
4. Focus On Remaining Somewhere And You’ll Remain There
“Keep your place in life and your place will keep you.”
5. Learn The Art of Persuasion And Let Go Of Arguments
“Persuasion is better than force.”
6. Kindness is An Act Worth Sharing With Every One
“No act of kindness, however small, is ever a wasted.”
7. Your Inner Self Is More Defined Than Outside Presentation
“Outside show is a poor substitute for inner worth.”
8. Persistence Can Be Kindled Despite Enduring Vicious Obstacles
“The little reed, bending to the force of the wind, soon stood upright again when the storm had passed over.”
9. It’s Okay To Pray, But You Have To Make It Happen
“It is in vain to expect our prayers to be heard, if we do not strive as well as pray.”
10. There Are Two Brilliant Sides To A Truth
“Every truth has two sides. It is as well to look at both sides before we commit ourselves to either.”
11. Don’t Mistake Power For Not Needing Help
“In critical moments, even the very powerful have need of the weakest.”
12. Wishing For Something Is Different Than Wanting Something
“We would often be sorry if our wishes were gratified.”
13. Adventuring Is What Life’s About
“Adventure is worthwhile.”
14. Keep Good Company Close
“A man is known by the company he keeps.”
15. Keep Your Principles Closest To You
“He that always gives way to others will end in having no principles of his own.”
16. Don’t Hold Grudges Just Because Something Is Missing
“People often grudge others what they cannot enjoy themselves.”
17. Someone’s True Nature Will Prevail
“A person’s true nature will reveal itself despite disguise.”
18. Don’t Blame A Child Because Of Their Parent’s Behavior
“Children are not to be blamed for the faults of their parents.”
19. You Don’t Have To Speak In Critical Times
“Wise men say nothing in dangerous times.”
20. You’re In Charge Of Your Fate
“If we really want something done, it is best to do it ourselves.”
21. Don’t Despise Without Giving It A Try
“We often despise what is most useful to us.”
22. There Is No Right Way To Argue
“Most arguments are useless.”
23. The Golden Rule Applies To Humor, Too
“Something which seems funny when it happens to someone else, may not seem so funny when it happens to us.”
24. Two Of Your Friendships Are Still Incomparable To Each Other
“Little friends may prove great friends.”
25. Come Together With Like-Minded People
“Birds of a feather flock together.”
26. Start Wanting Tomorrow’s Wishes Today
“Prepare today for the wants of tomorrow.”
27. Chewing Small Chunks Will Make You Feel Full Quicker
“Little by little does the trick.”
28. Self-Help Is More Than The Books
“Self-help is the best help.”
29. Gratitude Is Uncontrollable
“The grateful heart will always find opportunities to show its gratitude.”
30. Heroes Are Skilled In Both Words And Action
“The hero is brave in deeds as well as words.”
31. Difficulties Can Alter Judgement
“Never trust the advice of a man in difficulties.”
32. The Effects Of Causing Injuries And Suffering Aren’t Necessarily Related
“The injuries we do and those we suffer are seldom weighed in the same scales.”
33. Do What Matters With All Your Might
“Put your shoulder to the wheel.”
34. Keep Calm And Don’t Under Estimate Small Moments Of Peace
“A crust eaten in peace is better than a banquet partaken in anxiety.”
35. It’s Better To Have A Passion Serve You Than Follow It
“It is with our passions, as it is with fire and water, they are good servants but bad masters.”
36. Speaking Will Benefit You Most At The Right Time
“A word in season is most precious.”
37. Fighting Someone’s Danger Deserves Their Reward
“He who shares the danger ought to share the prize.”
38. Speaking Isn’t Really A Substitute For Work
“After all is said and done, more is said than done.”
39. Forgive But Don’t Forget
“Injuries may be forgiven, but not forgotten.”
40. Don’t Lose Your Special Character In The Noise Of The World
“Don’t let your special character and values, the secret that you know and no one else does, the truth – don’t let that get swallowed up by the great chewing complacency.”
