Aesop

The quarrels of friends are the opportunities of foes.

If these town gods can't detect the thieves who steal from their own temples, it's hardly likely they'll tell me who stole my spade.

Vices are their own punishment

Self-conceit may lead to self destruction.

It is easy to be brave from a safe distance.

Persuasion is often more effectual than force.

The smaller the mind the greater the conceit.

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

We like other people to show themselves to us as they really are.

Great determination can overcome most odds.

Kindness effects more than severity.

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

If we really want something done, it is best to do it ourselves.

A word in season is most precious.

He who shares the danger ought to share the prize.

Persuasion is better than force.

There is always someone worse off than yourself.

Others may try to feed our ego, but it is up to us to constrain it.

Appearances often are deceiving.

A man is known by the company he keeps

It is one thing to say that something should be done, but quite a different matter to do it.