What is an Aphorism

What is an aphorism?

Aphorisms convey timeless wisdom in pithy, bite-size statements that provide insight and witty observation. Behind them the have the advantage of memorability that not all sayings have. They are a staple of not only philosophy and literature but they also feature greatly in everyday conversation. 

In this article, we’re going to cover exactly what is an aphorism, and provide you with several different examples. We will also cover how aphorisms compare with other figures of speech so that you’ll always be able to tell the difference. There’ll be some tips on how best to aphorisms in your writing, and a handy FAQ section. By the end, you’ll be sure to feel like an expert on the subject.

So, let’s get started!

What is an aphorism?

An aphorism is a concise statement of a principle or truth. Or in other words, a short clever saying. An example of an aphorism is “The pen is mightier than the sword”. Aphorisms can be coined by anyone. Once an aphorism has become very well established, it can then be considered an adage.

There are several synonyms of the word ‘aphorism, and these words are often used interchangeably. These words include (but aren’t limited to); maxim, moral, saying, truism, adage, and proverb.

That said, however, aphorisms can be considered distinct from each of these figures of speech. We will be covering this very shortly, but for now, here are some examples of aphorisms for you.

15 examples of famous aphorisms

Here follows 15 examples of aphorisms, who the aphorism is attributed to, and in what speech or publication.

  1. “That which does not kill us makes us stronger.”
  • Who: Friedrich Nietzsche
  • When: 1888
  • Source: Twilight of the Idols
  1. “An eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind.”
  • Who: Commonly attributed to Mahatma Gandhi (though no definitive written source)
  • When: Mid-20th century
  • Source: Various speeches
  1. “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”
  • Who: George Santayana
  • When: 1905
  • Source: The Life of Reason, Volume 1
  1. “I think, therefore I am.” (Cogito, ergo sum)
  • Who: René Descartes
  • When: 1637
  • Source: Discourse on the Method
  1. “The unexamined life is not worth living.”
  • Who: Socrates
  • When: Circa 399 BCE
  • Source: Plato’s Apology (Socrates’ defence speech during his trial)
  1. Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.
  • Who: Lord Acton (John Dalberg-Acton)
  • When: 1887
  • Source: Letter to Bishop Mandell Creighton
  1. “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”
  • Who: Franklin D. Roosevelt
  • When: March 4, 1933
  • Source: First Inaugural Address as President of the United States
  1. “He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.”
  • Who: Friedrich Nietzsche
  • When: 1889
  • Source: Twilight of the Idols
  1. The pen is mightier than the sword.
  • Who: Edward Bulwer-Lytton
  • When: 1839
  • Source: Play Richelieu; Or the Conspiracy, Act 2, Scene 2
  1. “Time is money.”
  • Who: Benjamin Franklin
  • When: 1748
  • Source: Advice to a Young Tradesman, Written by an Old One
  1. “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.”
  • Who: Attributed to Voltaire (actually by his biographer, Evelyn Beatrice Hall)
  • When: 1906
  • Source: The Friends of Voltaire by Evelyn Beatrice Hall
  1. “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.”
  • Who: George Orwell
  • When: 1945
  • Source: Animal Farm
  1. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
  • Who: Jesus Christ
  • When: Circa 1st century CE
  • Source: The Bible, Matthew 7:12 (The Golden Rule)
  1. “Hell is other people.”
  • Who: Jean-Paul Sartre
  • When: 1944
  • Source: Play No Exit (Huis Clos)
  1. “Knowledge is power.”
  • Who: Francis Bacon
  • When: 1597
  • Source: Meditationes Sacrae, “De Hæresibus”

Aphorisms vs other figures of speech

As mentioned earlier, sometimes the word ‘aphorism’ is used interchangeably with other words for similar figures of speech. Here, we’re going to get into the nitty-gritty of how aphorisms can be compared and contrasted with other figures of speech. Here goes.

Aphorism vs adage

The difference between an aphorism and an adage is very subtle, which is perhaps why the words are used so interchangeably. An aphorism is a thought provoking statement that is portrayed in a very brief and memorable way, such as The pen is mightier than the sword.“.

An adage, on the other hand, is a more traditional and universal saying. So much so, that it is hard to attribute the saying to anyone in particular. Examples may include ‘Life is short’ or ‘Better late than never’.

To learn more about adages, simply head over to our article ‘What is an adage?’.

Aphorism vs proverb vs maxim

Like an aphorism, a proverb can also be described as a common saying which expresses some truth, and has a familiarity about it. The key to distinguishing a proverb from a maxim is that proverbs tend to be derived from folklore. Adages and maxims can be considered subcategories of aphorisms, and proverbs can be considered a subcategory of adages.

To learn more about proverbs, simply head over to our article ‘What is a proverb?’ or ‘What is a maxim?’ respectively.

Aphorism vs euphemism

Aphorisms are something entirely different from euphemisms. I think the only reason that some people sometimes confuse the two is because of how similar the words sound. Anyway, a euphemism is an innocuous word or phrase that is used in place of a less acceptable alternative, but more direct, turn of phrase.

To learn more about euphemisms, simply head over to our article ‘What is an euphemism?’.

Aphorism vs metaphor

A metaphor is a saying in which one thing is being compared with another. (Comparisons in which the words ‘as’ or ‘like’ are used are called similes rather than metaphors). An aphorism is a short statement of truth. While there can be potential overlap between these two types of sayings, though this is relatively rare.

To learn more about metaphors, simply head over to our article ‘What is a metaphor?’.

Aphorism vs cliché

A cliché is an overused saying. Many people consider several aphorisms to be clichés, and there can be considerable overlap between aphorisms and clichés (you can picture a venn diagram).

To learn more about clichés, simply head over to our article ‘What is a cliché?’.

Aphorism vs platitude

The key to understanding the difference between aphorisms and platitudes lies in the way they are perceived by the recipient. A platitude is a statement which is considered trite or meaningless. Platitudes are generally seen as ‘throw-away’ statements which have little or no meaning and even less impact. The purpose of saying or giving a platitude is to placate someone, or in other words to quell social unease.

Many aphorisms can come across as platitudes, but not all aphorisms can be considered platitudes. An aphorism that is also a platitude is often also a cliché. Examples of such sayings include:

  • Nobody’s perfect
  • Everything happens for a reason
  • Life is a mystery

It is more important to avoid platitudes than it is to avoid clichés. That said however, in the English language, as in life, there is a place for everything. (Sorry, that was a platitude and a cliché!)

When you use a platitude in a social setting, you may come across as unempathetic and insincere.

Aphorism vs idiom

An idiom is a saying in which you have to take the meaning of the saying as a whole because it cannot be deduced simply from the individual words alone. An aphorism is a short saying that conveys a universal truth. Sometimes an idiom can be an aphorism and vice versa. However, this is not always the case.

To learn more about idioms, simply head over to our article ‘What is an idiom?’.

FAQ

Why are there so many different words for different sayings?

This was precisely the question I started asking myself while writing this article. In my view, the more words and phrases we have for things, the more precise it is possible to be, and the more precise we are with a communication, the better a communicator we become. This is what brings about the ‘teamwork that makes any dream work’ (a corporate aphorism). That said however, you’ll do well to remember that in any form of communication, it is always more important to be emphatic than it is to be precise.

Final word

So, to sum up, an aphorism is simply a pithy saying that conveys a universal truth. It’s short and sweet. (‘Short and sweet’ is also an aphorism.) The category ‘aphorism’ also features adages, proverbs and maxims. All three of these can be distinguished from idioms, mottos, or quotes. That said however, it is often considered acceptable to use these terms interchangeably because they are so similar in their meaning.

Aphorisms endure so well, generation after generation, because of how easy they are to remember and how they can apply to all manner of situations and circumstances.Their timeless advice is designed to endure. They can also demonstrate that lengthy discourse isn’t always necessary, which is good to know in the age of information and social media.

(Thank you for your patience reading this article, it’s a bit technical at times. You can always scroll back up for a recap.)