"Show me someone who is ill and yet happy, in danger and yet happy, dying and yet happy, exiled and yet happy. Show me such a person; by the gods, how greatly I long to see a Stoic!"

"Be not swept off your feet by the vividness of the impression, but say, "Impression, wait for me a little. Let me see what you are and what you represent. Let me try you.""

"Whatever you would make habitual, practice it; and if you would not make a thing habitual, do not practice it, but accustom yourself to something else."

"If you would be a good reader, read; if a writer, write."

"Every habit and faculty is confirmed and strengthened by the corresponding actions, that of walking by walking, that of running by running."

"What is the first business of one who practices philosophy? To get rid of self-conceit. For it is impossible for anyone to begin to learn that which he thinks he already knows."

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

"The boy cried "Wolf, wolf!" and the villagers came out to help him."

"Slow and steady wins the race."

"Self-conceit may lead to self-destruction."

"Put your shoulder to the wheel."

"Persuasion is often more effectual than force."

"People often grudge others what they cannot enjoy themselves."

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

"Never trust the advice of a man in difficulties."

"It is not only fine feathers that make fine birds."

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

"It is easy to be brave from a safe distance."

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

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

"I am sure the grapes are sour."

"Familiarity breeds contempt."

"Enemies' promises were made to be broken."

"Don't cry over spilt milk."

"Do not count your chickens before they are hatched."

"Beware the wolf in sheep's clothing."

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

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

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

"Appearances often are deceiving."

"Any excuse will serve a tyrant."

"As deeply convinced as I am that fables and myths hold vivid and timeless lessons about reality, I find that Aesop also teaches us that truth can be simple. Perhaps the snobbish culture of our self-styled sophisticated world would dismiss “The Boy Who Cried Wolf” as too simplistic to deserve attention—a childish warning only. But the opposite is true: truth is simple. …Aesop reminds us that journalists and the media should avoid creating and spreading false news, alarmist language, and sensationalization of events. If they do not, the consequences are inevitable: when people finally uncover the truth beneath layers of flashy headlines, front-page exaggerations, and bombastic reports, they will lose trust and turn away from the media altogether."

"There are certain artists who belong to all the people, everywhere, all the time. The list of singers, musicians, and poets must include David the harpist from the Old Testament, Aesop the Storyteller, Omar Khayyam the Tent Maker, Shakespeare the Bard of Avon, Louis Armstrong the genius of New Orleans, Om Kalsoum the soul of Egypt, Frank Sinatra, Mahalia Jackson, Dizzy Gillespie, Ray Charles...Celia Cruz...All great artists draw from the same resource: the human heart, which tells us all that we are more alike than we are unalike."

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

"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."

"We would often be sorry if our wishes were gratified."

"Union gives strength."

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

"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."

"The gods help them that help themselves."

"The fly sat upon the axel-tree of the chariot-wheel and said, 'What a dust do I raise!'"