We often find ourselves quoting the same phrases without giving them a second thought: “Actions speak louder than words,” or “Time heals all wounds.” These succinct pieces of wisdom are known as maxims – short, memorable expressions that offer guidance or insight.
In this article, you will learn how a maxim is defined and you will see examples of common examples, including some in works of literature and in song lyrics. You will also be presented with a section that describes how maxims compare and contrast with other figures of speech. We will talk about maxims in different cultures and religions, and there’s also a brief section where we answer your most frequently asked questions.
And without further ado…
What is a maxim?
A maxim is simply a phrase that’s used as a general rule of conduct to live by. Or in other words, a (usually) well-known saying that provides a handy guide to sensible or favourable behaviour.
These quick sayings can be super impactful, and there’s seemingly one for every circumstance. They are often considered profound, deep, and eloquent.
15 examples of maxims
Here are 15 examples of maxims. There’s a good chance that you’ve heard of many of these before now.
- The pen is mightier than the sword
- Too many cooks spoil the broth
- Time and tide wait for no man
- You’re never too old to learn
- All good things come to those who wait
- Many hands make light work
- Actions speak louder than words
- Everything in moderation
- Don’t count your chickens before they hatch
- Live in the now
- Treat others how you’d like to be treated
- From each according to his abilities, to each according to his needs
- The greatest good for the greatest number
- A change is as good as a rest
- Never mix business and pleasure
7 famous examples of maxims in literature
Maxims are often to be found in works of literature. Here are some of our favourite examples.
- The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it.
Book: The Picture of Dorian Gray
Author: Oscar Wilde
Publication Date: 1890
Meaning: Wilde’s satirical take on indulgence and human desire.
- Not all those who wander are lost.
Book: The Fellowship of the Ring
Author: J.R.R. Tolkien
Publication Date: 1954
Meaning: People who take unconventional paths in life may still have purpose and direction.
- It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.
Book: Pride and Prejudice
Author: Jane Austen
Publication Date: 1813
Meaning: A wry commentary on social norms around marriage and wealth.
- All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.
Book: Animal Farm
Author: George Orwell
Publication Date: 1945
Meaning: Highlights the hypocrisy and corruption of leadership, particularly in political regimes.
- There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.
Book: I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
Author: Maya Angelou
Publication Date: 1969
Meaning: Expresses the pain of repression and the importance of finding one’s voice.
- Hell is other people.
Book: No Exit
Author: Jean-Paul Sartre
Publication Date: 1944
Meaning: A philosophical reflection on how individuals define themselves through the gaze and judgement of others.
- Life appears to me too short to be spent in nursing animosity or registering wrongs.
Book: Jane Eyre
Author: Charlotte Brontë
Publication Date: 1847
Meaning: Advocates for forgiveness and moving forward instead of dwelling on past hurts.
7 examples of maxims in song lyrics
Maxims show up in song lyrics too – here are some examples for you.
- Song: “Man in the Mirror”
Artist: Michael Jackson
Songwriters: Glen Ballard, Siedah Garrett
Maxim: “If you wanna make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make a change”
Release Date: 1988
Meaning: Change starts with the individual and personal responsibility. - Song: “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”
Artist: Bobby McFerrin
Songwriter: Bobby McFerrin
Maxim: “Don’t worry, be happy”
Release Date: 1988
Meaning: Emphasises staying positive and not letting worries dominate your outlook. - Song: “Let It Be”
Artist: The Beatles
Songwriters: Paul McCartney, John Lennon
Maxim: “Let it be”
Release Date: 1970
Meaning: Accept things as they are; go with the flow rather than resisting. - Song: “I Will Survive”
Artist: Gloria Gaynor
Songwriters: Freddie Perren, Dino Fekaris
Maxim: “I will survive”
Release Date: 1978
Meaning: A message of resilience and empowerment in the face of hardship. - Song: “The Show Must Go On”
Artist: Queen
Songwriters: Freddie Mercury, Brian May
Maxim: “The show must go on”
Release Date: 1991
Meaning: Persevere through difficulties and continue with life, no matter the struggles. - Song: “Don’t Stop Believin’”
Artist: Journey
Songwriters: Jonathan Cain, Steve Perry, Neal Schon
Maxim: “Don’t stop believin’”
Release Date: 1981
Meaning: Encourages persistence, faith, and hope in the face of adversity. - Song: “Take It Easy”
Artist: Eagles
Songwriters: Jackson Browne, Glenn Frey
Maxim: “Take it easy”
Release Date: 1972
Meaning: Encourages relaxation and a calm approach to life’s problems.
Maxims vs other figures of speech
Here’s how maxims compare and contrast with other common figures of speech.
Maxim vs proverb
While both maxims and proverbs are short sayings that can offer advice, proverbs can sometimes proffer generally accepted truths rather than, or as well as, a piece of advice.
Maxim vs adage
The key difference between a maxim and an adage is that a maxim will always express a rule of conduct, whereas an adage focuses on general truths rather than profferring advice.
Maxim vs aphorism
Maxims are often (but not always) expressed in the form of metaphors, or in other words by comparing one thing with another, like talking in code, or in analogy. Aphorisms, on the other hand, are always meant to be taken literally. But both are always a few short words intended as advice or guidance.
Maxim vs idiom
A maxim is a short, pithy statement that’s intended to provide advice. An idiom is a saying that cannot be understood simply from the individual words alone. They only make sense when taken as a whole.
Maxim vs cliché
A cliché is an overused saying. Many people would say that many maxims can be considered a cliché. That said, however, not all clichés can be considered maxims, because not all clichés are meant as a token of advice or as a rule of conduct to live by.
The four types of maxims
There are four Gricean, implicit maxims that are important for cooperative conversation. In summary, these are as follows:
- Maxims of Quality. Be truthful. Only say that for which you have adequate evidence.
- Maxims of Quantity. Provide as much information as required. Do not provide more information than is required.
- Maxim of Relation. Be relevant.
- Maxims of Manner. Avoid ambiguity.
Using these maxims is important for good communication, effective cooperation and teamwork.
How best to use maxims
These short, snappy statements can often be profound and insightful, and as a matter fact, often compact a lot of worthy, practical advice. Their brevity does not detract from their significance; rather, it enhances their accessibility. Here’s how you can use maxims when speaking or writing.
When speaking
Maxims are a great way to give advice to someone in a succinct yet impactful way, making them great means to make a difference to someone (provided they actually take your advice), especially if one of you is short for time.
In writing
A well-chosen maxim can be a great prompt for both creative writing and essay writing. They’re great in poetry and prose because of their striking impact. Maxims often tend to work well to introduce a topic on human behaviour or policy. Similarly, they can also work well in conclusions, in order to summarise a point being made in a powerful, memorable, and impactful way.
FAQ
How are maxims violated?
The person who is speaking is said to violate a conversational maxim when they know that the person listening will not know the truth and will only know the expressed meaning of what is said. Or in other words, the speaker intentionally misleads and therefore deceives the listener.
What is the golden rule of maxim?
The maxim ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you’ is undoubtedly one of the most well-known maxims out there. Often shortened to ‘Do unto others’ this concise maxim can be very impactful, and has certainly proved to be a pragmatic golden rule to live by.
Final word
So, to sum up, a maxim is simply a brief statement that’s used as a general rule of conduct to live by. The word ‘maxim’ is frequently used synonymously with other types of figures of speech, such as proverbs, adages, aphorisms, and more. However, it is sometimes possible to distinguish between them when applicable, as we touched on earlier.
It’s always handy to know a few maxims in order for you to help others out with any advice you might have for them when they are troubled, or when they need help with making a decision.