writer credited with a number of popular fables
. Older spellings of his name have included Esop(e) and Isope. Although his existence remains uncertain and 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. In many of the tales, animals speak and have human characteristics.
Scattered details of Aesop's life can be found in ancient sources, including Aristotle
, Herodotus
, and Plutarch
.
Any excuse will serve a tyrant.
Appearances often are deceiving.
Be content with your lot; one cannot be first in everything.
Beware lest you lose the substance by grasping at the shadow.
Beware the wolf in sheep's clothing.
Do not count your chickens before they are hatched.
Don't cry over spilt milk.
Familiarity breeds contempt or Acquaintance softens prejudices.
I am sure the grapes are sour.
I will have nought to do with a man who can blow hot and cold with the same breath.