A liar will not be believed, even when he speaks the truth.

Meaning of the quote

If someone has lied to you before, you will likely not trust them even if they are telling the truth later on. This is because once someone has shown they are dishonest, it becomes hard for others to believe anything they say, even if it is true. The more someone lies, the harder it becomes for them to be trusted again.

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 about the author

More quotes from Aesop

It is in vain to expect our prayers to be heard, if we do not strive as well as pray.

Aesop

ancient Greek storyteller

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

Aesop

ancient Greek storyteller

A liar will not be believed, even when he speaks the truth.

Aesop

ancient Greek storyteller

Example is the best precept.

Aesop

ancient Greek storyteller

It is easy to be brave from a safe distance.

Aesop

ancient Greek storyteller

We should look to the mind, and not to the outward appearance.

Aesop

ancient Greek storyteller

If you allow men to use you for your own purposes, they will use you for theirs.

Aesop

ancient Greek storyteller

Men often applaud an imitation and hiss the real thing.

Aesop

ancient Greek storyteller

United we stand, divided we fall.

Aesop

ancient Greek storyteller

It is not only fine feathers that make fine birds.

Aesop

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.

Aesop

ancient Greek storyteller

He that is discontented in one place will seldom be happy in another.

Aesop

ancient Greek storyteller

The injuries we do and those we suffer are seldom weighed in the same scales.

Aesop

ancient Greek storyteller

Please all, and you will please none.

Aesop

ancient Greek storyteller

Destroy the seed of evil, or it will grow up to your ruin.

Aesop

ancient Greek storyteller

Put your shoulder to the wheel.

Aesop

ancient Greek storyteller

Gratitude is the sign of noble souls.

Aesop

ancient Greek storyteller

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

Aesop

ancient Greek storyteller

Familiarity breeds contempt.

Aesop

ancient Greek storyteller

Self-conceit may lead to self destruction.

Aesop

ancient Greek storyteller

People often grudge others what they cannot enjoy themselves.

Aesop

ancient Greek storyteller

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

Aesop

ancient Greek storyteller

Beware lest you lose the substance by grasping at the shadow.

Aesop

ancient Greek storyteller

Persuasion is often more effectual than force.

Aesop

ancient Greek storyteller

Be content with your lot; one cannot be first in everything.

Aesop

ancient Greek storyteller

The unhappy derive comfort from the misfortunes of others.

Aesop

ancient Greek storyteller

Our insignificance is often the cause of our safety.

Aesop

ancient Greek storyteller

We would often be sorry if our wishes were gratified.

Aesop

ancient Greek storyteller

Do not count your chickens before they are hatched.

Aesop

ancient Greek storyteller

The smaller the mind the greater the conceit.

Aesop

ancient Greek storyteller

No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.

Aesop

ancient Greek storyteller

Never trust the advice of a man in difficulties.

Aesop

ancient Greek storyteller

Slow but steady wins the race.

Aesop

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.

Aesop

ancient Greek storyteller

Adventure is worthwhile.

Aesop

ancient Greek storyteller

The level of our success is limited only by our imagination and no act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted.

Aesop

ancient Greek storyteller

Injuries may be forgiven, but not forgotten.

Aesop

ancient Greek storyteller

We often give our enemies the means for our own destruction.

Aesop

ancient Greek storyteller

Appearances are often deceiving.

Aesop

ancient Greek storyteller

Every truth has two sides; it is as well to look at both, before we commit ourselves to either.

Aesop

ancient Greek storyteller

The gods help them that help themselves.

Aesop

ancient Greek storyteller

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

Aesop

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.

Aesop

ancient Greek storyteller

Any excuse will serve a tyrant.

Aesop

ancient Greek storyteller

After all is said and done, more is said than done.

Aesop

ancient Greek storyteller

Outside show is a poor substitute for inner worth.

Aesop

ancient Greek storyteller

Beware that you do not lose the substance by grasping at the shadow.

Aesop

ancient Greek storyteller

He that always gives way to others will end in having no principles of his own.

Aesop

ancient Greek storyteller

A crust eaten in peace is better than a banquet partaken in anxiety.

Aesop

ancient Greek storyteller

Plodding wins the race.

Aesop

ancient Greek storyteller

It is thrifty to prepare today for the wants of tomorrow.

Aesop

ancient Greek storyteller