Aphorisms are concise, memorable statements that reveal a truth and have been used for millennia. They often contain humor or wit and must contain an element of philosophy to distinguish them from clichés. Anthologies of aphorisms have been produced for centuries and are used for inspiration or comfort.
An aphorism is a statement that reveals a truth in a succinct, memorable, and often witty way. Such claims have had a place in public thought for millennia, as evidenced by the composition of a collection of Hippocrates’ aphorisms between 460 and 370 BC. From Confucius to John Lennon, scores of philosophers, artists, politicians, athletes and other individuals have been immortalized by an aphorism or series of aphorisms that have entered into common use. Anthologies of aphorisms by various authors have been commercially produced for several centuries.
It is generally accepted that for a statement to qualify as an aphorism, it must contain a concisely revealed truth. Some theorists go further, arguing that aphorisms must contain an element of philosophy. According to these theorists, this feature distinguishes an aphorism from banal or even meaningless clichés, such as “everything happens for a reason.” While aphorisms often contain a dash of humor or wit that helps make them memorable, many well-known aphorisms aren’t humorous.
Aphorisms have held a place in public thought for millennia, as evidenced by the fact that Hippocrates, the Greek physician commonly known as the “father of medicine,” composed a collection of aphorisms during his lifetime, which spanned from about 460 to 370 BC. . These aphorisms were probably intended to be applicable to medical situations. Yet some, such as “life is short and art is long”, have for many centuries proved to be relevant to many aspects of human experience.
From Confucius to John Lennon, scores of philosophers, politicians, artists, athletes, and individuals from many other walks of life have been immortalized by an aphorism or series of aphorisms that have entered common usage. Confucius, for example, has been credited with nuggets of wisdom such as “your eyes are always bigger than your stomach.” John Lennon coined the much quoted “life is what happens to you while you are busy making other plans”.
Anthologies of aphorisms by various authors have been commercially produced for several centuries. The first of these anthologies is believed to have been compiled by the Dutch thinker Erasmus in the 16th century. In modern times, collections of aphorisms are sometimes produced as gift books, as well as motivational or self-help volumes. Some keep these books close at hand for bursts of philosophical revelation or emotional comfort, while others may flip through them for inspiration as they compose a toast or speech.
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