Aesop
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"Aesop" was an Ancient Greek fabulist or Oral storytelling/story teller credited with a number of fables now collectively known as Aesop's Fables. Although his existence remains uncertain and (if he ever existed) no writings by him survive, numerous tales credited to him were gathered across the centuries and in many languages in a storytelling tradition that continues to this day. Many of the tales are characterized by animals and inanimate objects that speak, solve problems, and generally have human characteristics.

Scattered details of Aesop's life can be found in ancient sources, including Aristotle, Herodotus, and Plutarch. An ancient literary work called The Aesop Romance tells an episodic, probably highly fictional version of his life, including the traditional description of him as a strikingly ugly Slavery in Ancient Greece/slave who by his cleverness acquires freedom and becomes an adviser to kings and city-states. Older spellings of his name have included Esop(e) and Isope. Depictions of Aesop in popular culture over the last 2500 years have included several works of art and his appearance as a character in numerous books, films, plays, and television programs.

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After all is said and done, more is said than done.

The gods help them that help themselves.

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

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.

Self-conceit may lead to self-destruction.

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

Slow and steady wins the race.

Never trust the advice of a man in difficulties.

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

People often grudge others what they cannot enjoy themselves.

Plodding wins the race.

It is easy to be brave from a safe distance.

Injuries may be forgiven, but not forgotten.

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

It is not only fine feathers that make fine birds.

United we stand, divided we fall.

Put your shoulder to the wheel.

He that always gives way to others will end in having no principles of his own.

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

The little reed, bending to the force of the wind, soon stood upright again when the storm had passed over.

Look before you leap.

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

Persuasion is often more effectual than force.

Outside show is a poor substitute for inner worth.

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

What a splendid head, yet no brain.

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

We would often be sorry if our wishes were gratified.

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

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

Appearances often are deceiving.

Union gives strength.

Do not count your chickens before they are hatched.

The level of our success is limited only by our imagination and no act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted.

Any excuse will serve a tyrant.

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.

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