Phaedrus quotes
Phaedrus (20 BC–50): Latin fabulist and probably a Thracian slave. The library holds 39 quotes by Phaedrus. The 39 below are the most quoted; search the library in the maker for the rest.
Often about: life, change, grief, power, money, truth
The best-known Phaedrus quotes
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Every man is bound to tolerate the act of which he has himself given the example.
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I have often found good-looking people to be very base, and I have known many ugly people most estimable.
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He who does not conform to courtesy generally pays the penalty of his haughtiness.
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Let the ear despise nothing, nor yet be too ready to believe.
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The mind ought sometimes to be amused, that it may the better return to thought, and to itself.
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Since each man has a way of his own of thinking, and a peculiar temper.
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Witticisms please as long as we keep them within bounds, but pushed to excess they cause offence.
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The only instance of a despairing sinner left upon record in the New Testament is that of a treacherous and greedy Judas. He deservedly loses his own property who covets that of another.
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He who covets what is another’s, deservedly loses what is his own.
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Jupiter has laid two wallets on us; he has placed one behind our backs filled with our own faults, and has hung another before, heavy with the faults of other people.
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It is equally dangerous to believe and to disbelieve; therefore search diligently into the truth rather than suffer an erroneous impression to pervert your judgment.
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Whoever has once been detected in a shameful fraud is not believed even if he speak the truth.
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An incapable man who attempts to imitate a capable is sure to come to grief.
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That only brings disgrace on a man which he has deserved to suffer.
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Be it remembered that we are amusing you with tales of fiction.
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A fellow who brags of his prowess and is devoid of courage, imposes on strangers but is the jest of those who know him.
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Stinging envy is more merciful to good things that are old than such as are new.
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In a change of masters the poor change nothing except their master’s name.
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Every one ought to bear patiently with what is after his own example.
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Prudent people are ever ready to profit from the experiences of others.
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Out of breath for nothing, making much ado about nothing.
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He loses repute who compares himself with unworthy people.
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The humble are in danger when those in power disagree.
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Covetousness is rich, while modesty goes barefoot.
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Judge of a tree from its fruit, not from its leaves.
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Unless what we do is useful, our glorying is vain.
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Oh, that such beauty should be devoid of brains!
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Genius often goes to waste through misfortune.
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Covetousness is rich, while modesty is poor.
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An alliance with a powerful man is never safe.
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A partnership with men in power is never safe.
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I would not be a king and forfeit my liberty.
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A learned man has always riches in himself.
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In prosperity courageous, in danger timid.
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The master sees best in his own affairs.
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Gentleness is the antidote for cruelty.
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I easily recover my good-will myself.
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Honesty is often goaded to ruin.
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Success tempts many to their ruin.