Aphorisms — Definition, Types, and Examples
What is an aphorism?
An aphorism is a short phrase, saying, or observation that provides general truths and insight into the human condition. Aphorisms range from humorous to serious, and apply in various situations in everyday life, literature, television, film, or music. Aphorisms simplify complex and philosophical issues making them both powerful and memorable.
Hippocrates first used aphorisms (Greek aphorismos) in his medical writings. English speakers eventually adopted the term and expanded the definition of aphorism. Philosophers like Erasmus and Confucius published collections of aphorisms, which became famous worldwide.
Function of aphorisms
Aphorisms are used to teach moral or philosophical truths in everyday life, and to help writers better connect with readers.
Everyday Life: The main function of a good aphorism is to teach a moral or philosophical truth. An aphorism’s ideas connect universal experiences to the human experience. Therefore, it should not be difficult for an individual to understand and relate to an aphorism regardless of gender, race, religion, culture, or location.
Literary World: The use of aphorisms in literature and poetry helps writers connect more with their readers. By using aphorisms, their works often become much more memorable and popular, as they detail universal truths with which the reader can relate.
Types of aphorisms
The following chart identifies sayings and expressions that often include the traits of an aphorism:
| Form | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Maxims | expresses a principle or rule of conduct | What goes around comes around. |
| Truisms | presents something that is considered obvious or lacks meaning | The apple never falls far from the tree. |
| Proverbs | anonymous sayings that give advice and typically stem from a specific culture | The early bird catches the worm. |
| Adages | an expression that identifies accepted truths | A penny saved is a penny earned. |
| Epigrams | memorable satirical statements | I can resist anything but temptation. |
Aphorisms are often confused with axioms, which are self-evident truths that require no further proof.
Aphorism examples
Aphorisms have found their way into various areas ranging from literature and poetry to daily conversations and pop culture. Aphorists like Oscar Wilde and Dorothy Parker used many examples in their literary works.
Aphorism examples in literature
The following highlights famous English aphorisms found in longer literary works:
A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare: “Lord, what fools thee mortals be.” – Puck
Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes: “Hunger is the best sauce in the world.”
The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien: “All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.” – Gandalf
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee: “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view…until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.” – Atticus Finch
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling: “Happiness can be found in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” – Albus Dumbledore
The following highlights famous examples of aphorisms found in poems:
Tao Te Ching by Lao Tze: “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.”
“In Memoriam A.H.H.” by Alfred Lord Tennyson: “Tis better to have loved and lost / Than never to have loved at all.”
“Nothing Gold Can Stay” by Robert Frost: “Nothing gold can stay.”
“No Man Is an Island” by John Donne: “No man is an island entire of itself.”
“Dreams” by Langston Hughes: “Hold fast to dreams / For if dreams die / Life is a broken-winged bird / That cannot fly.”
Common aphorisms
Common aphorisms include the following:
Everyday Speech
“All is fair in love and war.”
“Better safe than sorry.”
“An apple a day keeps the doctor away.”
“You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink.”
“Give a man a fish, feed him for a day; teach a man to fish, feed him for a lifetime.”
Famous Aphorisms
“Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.” – Benjamin Franklin
“Speak softly and carry a big stick.” – President Theodore Roosevelt
“Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely” – Lord Acton
“If you tell the truth, you don’t have to remember anything.” – Mark Twain
“Winners never quit, and quitters never win.” – Vince Lombardi
Film
Yoda (Star Wars V: The Empire Strikes Back): “Do or do not, there is no try.”
Uncle Ben (Spiderman): “With great power comes great responsibility.”
Forrest Gump (Forrest Gump): “Mama always said, ‘Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you’re gonna get.’”
Gusteau (Ratatouille): “If you focus on what you left behind, you will never be able to see what lies ahead.”
Rafiki (The Lion King): “Oh yes, the past can hurt. But you can either run from it or learn from it.”
Music
“You Can’t Always Get What You Want” by the Rolling Stones: “You can’t always get what you want, but if you try, sometimes you get what you need.”
“Don’t Worry Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin: “In every life we have some trouble / But when you worry you make it double.”
“All You Need Is Love” by The Beatles: “All you need is love / Love is all you need.”
“Get Up Stand Up” by Bob Marley: “Get up! Stand up! Don’t give up the fight.”
“Try Everything” by Shakira: “I won't give up / No, I won't give in till I reach the end / And then I'll start again.”