Aesop

Plodding wins the race.

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

Outside show is a poor substitution for inner worth.

Look before you leap.

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

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

It is easy to be brave from a safe distance.

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

What a splendid head, yet no brain.

Persuasion is often more effectual than force.