I. Frost's Selected Quotations

Everything at Amazon by and about: Aesop



Never trust the advice of a man in difficulties.

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

The gods help them that help themselves.

Aesop, Hercules and the Wagoner

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

Aesop, Juno and the Peacock

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

Aesop, The Ant and the Grasshopper

Union gives strength.

Aesop, The Bundle of Sticks

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

Aesop, The Dog and the Shadow

People often grudge others what they cannot enjoy themselves.

Aesop, The Dog in the Manger

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.

Aesop, The Eagle and the Arrow

Familiarity breed contempt.

Aesop, The Fox and the Lion

Self-conceit may lead to self-destruction.

Aesop, The Frog and the Ox

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

Aesop, The Goose with the Golden Eggs

Slow and steady wins the race.

Aesop, The Hare and the Tortoise

It is not only fine feathers that make fine birds.

Aesop, The Jay and the Peacock

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

Aesop, The Lion and the Mouse

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.

Aesop, The Lion, the Fox, and the Beasts

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

Aesop, The Man and the Satyr

Do not count your chickens before they are hatched.

Aesop, The Milkmaid and Her Pail

We would often be sorry if our wishes were gratified.

Aesop, The Old Man and Death

A crust eaten in peace is better than a banquet partaken in anxiety.

Aesop, The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse

Any excuse will serve a tyrant.

Aesop, The Wolf and the Lamb

Appearances often are deceiving.

Aesop, The Wolf in Sheep's Clothing

Affairs are easier of entrance than of exit; and it is but common prudence to see our way out before we venture in.

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

Enemies' promises were made to be broken.

Gratitude is the sign of noble souls.

The injuries we do and those we suffer are seldom weighed in the same scales.

It is easy to be brave from a safe distance.

Much outcry, little outcome.

Our insignificance is the cause of our safety.

Outside show is a poor substitute for inner worth.

Please all, and you will please none.



Those who voluntarily put power into the hands of a tyrant or enemy, must not wonder if it be at last turned against themselves.

Wealth unused might as well not exist.

We would often be sorry if our wishes were gratified.

A doubtful friend is worse than a certain enemy. Let a man be one thing or the other, and we then know how to meet him.

A liar will not be believed, even when he speaks the truth.

It is in vain to expect our prayers to be heard, if we do not strive as well as pray.