Outside show is a poor substitute for inner worth.
Meaning of the quote
The quote means that how you look or act on the outside is not as important as who you are on the inside. It's better to have good character and values than to just try to impress people with how you appear. Your inner qualities, like honesty and kindness, are more valuable than fancy clothes or a flashy personality.
About Aesop
Aesop was an ancient Greek fabulist and storyteller whose life remains largely mysterious. Although no writings by him survive, many tales credited to him, featuring anthropomorphic animal characters, have been gathered and passed down through the centuries. Aesop’s life is depicted in the fictional work The Aesop Romance, which describes him as an ugly slave who gains freedom and becomes an advisor to kings and city-states.
More quotes from Aesop
It is in vain to expect our prayers to be heard, if we do not strive as well as pray.
ancient Greek storyteller
The little reed, bending to the force of the wind, soon stood upright again when the storm had passed over.
ancient Greek storyteller
A liar will not be believed, even when he speaks the truth.
ancient Greek storyteller
Example is the best precept.
ancient Greek storyteller
It is easy to be brave from a safe distance.
ancient Greek storyteller
We should look to the mind, and not to the outward appearance.
ancient Greek storyteller
If you allow men to use you for your own purposes, they will use you for theirs.
ancient Greek storyteller
Men often applaud an imitation and hiss the real thing.
ancient Greek storyteller
United we stand, divided we fall.
ancient Greek storyteller
It is not only fine feathers that make fine birds.
ancient Greek storyteller
A doubtful friend is worse than a certain enemy. Let a man be one thing or the other, and we then know how to meet him.
ancient Greek storyteller
He that is discontented in one place will seldom be happy in another.
ancient Greek storyteller
The injuries we do and those we suffer are seldom weighed in the same scales.
ancient Greek storyteller
Please all, and you will please none.
ancient Greek storyteller
Destroy the seed of evil, or it will grow up to your ruin.
ancient Greek storyteller
Put your shoulder to the wheel.
ancient Greek storyteller
Gratitude is the sign of noble souls.
ancient Greek storyteller
Better be wise by the misfortunes of others than by your own.
ancient Greek storyteller
Familiarity breeds contempt.
ancient Greek storyteller
Self-conceit may lead to self destruction.
ancient Greek storyteller
People often grudge others what they cannot enjoy themselves.
ancient Greek storyteller
We hang the petty thieves and appoint the great ones to public office.
ancient Greek storyteller
Beware lest you lose the substance by grasping at the shadow.
ancient Greek storyteller
Persuasion is often more effectual than force.
ancient Greek storyteller
Be content with your lot; one cannot be first in everything.
ancient Greek storyteller
The unhappy derive comfort from the misfortunes of others.
ancient Greek storyteller
Our insignificance is often the cause of our safety.
ancient Greek storyteller
We would often be sorry if our wishes were gratified.
ancient Greek storyteller
Do not count your chickens before they are hatched.
ancient Greek storyteller
The smaller the mind the greater the conceit.
ancient Greek storyteller
No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.
ancient Greek storyteller
Never trust the advice of a man in difficulties.
ancient Greek storyteller
Slow but steady wins the race.
ancient Greek storyteller
Affairs are easier of entrance than of exit; and it is but common prudence to see our way out before we venture in.
ancient Greek storyteller
Adventure is worthwhile.
ancient Greek storyteller
The level of our success is limited only by our imagination and no act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted.
ancient Greek storyteller
Injuries may be forgiven, but not forgotten.
ancient Greek storyteller
We often give our enemies the means for our own destruction.
ancient Greek storyteller
Appearances are often deceiving.
ancient Greek storyteller
Every truth has two sides; it is as well to look at both, before we commit ourselves to either.
ancient Greek storyteller
The gods help them that help themselves.
ancient Greek storyteller
It is with our passions as it is with fire and water, they are good servants, but bad masters.
ancient Greek storyteller
Don’t let your special character and values, the secret that you know and no one else does, the truth – don’t let that get swallowed up by the great chewing complacency.
ancient Greek storyteller
Any excuse will serve a tyrant.
ancient Greek storyteller
After all is said and done, more is said than done.
ancient Greek storyteller
Outside show is a poor substitute for inner worth.
ancient Greek storyteller
Beware that you do not lose the substance by grasping at the shadow.
ancient Greek storyteller
He that always gives way to others will end in having no principles of his own.
ancient Greek storyteller
A crust eaten in peace is better than a banquet partaken in anxiety.
ancient Greek storyteller
Plodding wins the race.
ancient Greek storyteller
It is thrifty to prepare today for the wants of tomorrow.
ancient Greek storyteller