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@ 2007-11-27 – 11:52:45
Technomist has asked whether the proverb ascribed to the Chinese philosopher Confucius, to the effect that 'the gods can't help those who don't seize opportunities' was used to a similar effect in the Greek world.
I have come across the proverb ‘The gods help them that help themselves’ by Aesop, who was a Greek slave and fable author dating from c.620-560BC. Confucius is a little later and dates from c.551-479BC!
jackfrost
Pro 
ArtemisToxia
Mine too!
wendlane
Aha I remember Aesops fables from my childhood - I had a book which had many different classic stories including several by Aesop i didn't know he was a slave and hadn't heard of this saying before!
ArtemisToxia
Acually I'm learning ancient Greek and I've just got onto the chapter dealing with Aesops fables, it looks really interesting.
Usksider
Pro My gradmother used to say "God helps those that help themselves" which is obviously a bastardisation of Aesop.
ArtemisToxia
Clearly! A very good saying though, isn't it?
Usksider
Pro It is, yes. Especially if it works. 
tylluanpenry
Good old Aesop - clearly he had life sussed!
ArtemisToxia
Yep! Amazing for a slave though because I didn't think that they would have had such a good education, if any!!
technomist
Thanks very much for this. You helped me out of a hole there: I'd confidently said to my wife that Confucius was not saying anything which the ancients Greeks didn't also think, but of course, couldn't back it up!
ArtemisToxia
Glad I could help! Thanks for asking!
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sounds like my kinda guy