What is an aphorism?
An aphorism is an absolutely complete, logically completed thought, expressed laconically, in artistic form. It must be original, unusual and intellectually significant. As a rule, an aphorism is reproduced many times by different sources and does not need additional advertising. The self-sufficiency of thought and the brightness of the image in such a statement, given the selected number of words, sometimes makes it a real masterpiece. The monotony and wretchedness of our speech, which sometimes clearly smacks of officialdom, such a statement can correct and enrich.
Not every aphorism, an example of a witty word, is understandable to anyone and everyone. It depends on the level of intelligence. But what was unclear in youth is understood over the years. In any case, it encourages reflection, since the thought in the words of great people is often non-standard and sometimes paradoxical.
Aphorisms are catchphrases
Individual aphorisms, or catchphrases, always have their own author. This group of aphorisms combines popular expressions that have entered our speech from literature, sayings of historical figures, short quotes, and figurative expressions. Throughout its history, humanity has selected, filtered and assimilated the original thoughts of its best representatives.
Catchphrases are widely used in speech, but unlike proverbs and sayings, they necessarily assume or have a specific author:
There is still gunpowder in the flasks (N.V. Gogol “Taras Bulba”).
What a mixture of clothes and faces (A.S. Pushkin “The Robber Brothers”).
The women shouted: hurray! And they threw caps into the air (A.S. Griboyedov “Woe from Wit”).
Definition
So, an aphorism is an original author’s saying in a laconic form, which is remembered and reproduced by other people.
Aphorisms are used in speech to achieve the effect of information content, accuracy and imagery. Catchphrases add a touch of emotion to any speech, text or performance. Aphorisms also reinforce the speaker’s opinion and are used to make his words more convincing.
Truth is what stands the test of experience (A. Einstein).
A person is nothing more than a series of his actions (G. Hegel).
Hope lives even at the very graves (I. Goethe).
Famous aphorisms of great people
This form of presenting thoughts sometimes has quite practical significance. When a person cites the aphorisms of great people in his speech as an additional argument, he psychologically calls the author of the quote to be his ally. This builds trust in the speaker among listeners. This is a very effective and powerful technique.
It doesn't matter what kind of conversation you're taking part in: a social gathering, a scientific community meeting, a political discussion, a presentation, or a meeting among colleagues. A skillfully and timely inserted aphorism will help you and consolidate your success.
You must be careful and think before you speak, because an aphorism said carelessly, or even worse, incorrectly and inappropriately applied, can not only not help, but also harm the matter. The Roman philosopher and writer Lucius Annaeus Seneca said: “The education of people should begin with proverbs, and should end with thoughts.” The aphorisms of great people must be remembered in full, word for word. And of course, the speech should mention who the author is.
Publications (press releases) » What are aphorisms for?
November 01, 2012 Every simple word once spoken by a person that has a deep meaning can eventually become an aphorism, especially if it touches the soul. From generation to generation they remain on the lips, collections are compiled about them and even books are written. Thus, even a completely unknown person has the opportunity to leave his mark on history, since his words will be on the lips of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Such golden words carry the truth, the truth about life and about past times.
When you read aphorisms about love, you involuntarily begin to feel the feelings that their author felt: his experiences, his joy, and the whole depth of his difficult feelings. So you can easily find out who a person was in his time: a romantic or a gentleman, a knight of a pure heart or a vain owner.
Aphorisms and quotes play a vital role in the life of a modern person. With their help, you can sometimes express yourself very beautifully and even impress the object of your love with your high knowledge in this industry. Aphorisms themselves are art, philosophy and the science of life at the same time. In our time of high development of civilization, the need constantly arises to learn something useful from our ancestors.
When a simple person, without fear for his life, expressed his thoughts about the world around him and the laws of nature, he risked torture and even execution. But the words spoken can no longer be returned, since they broke free and were repeated by other people advocating this or that idea. If you carefully read any collection of aphorisms on any topic, you can trace a clear boundary between each century, see the life of each author, his problems and anxieties. Also, with this simple method you can learn about the peculiarities of the lives of ordinary people, about their fears, loves and experiences.
And today aphorisms have not lost their importance and meaning. They just changed a little, and are less associated with spiritual values. On the contrary, they show a great connection with material values. Even a variety of aphorisms about money and other material goods appeared. This is not surprising, because society, which is based on market relations, changes in all manifestations of creativity, and aphorisms are no exception.
Although, of course, people have always felt and loved. There will always be a right time for beautiful words associated with bright feelings and memories.
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Aphorisms and humor
An aphorism does not have to be solemn and serious. Funny aphorisms are quite acceptable, but humor in them is not an end in itself. It is rather a means of expression. In addition, a joke quickly reaches our feelings, passing by our consciousness. Sigmund Freud says that laughter is an unconscious reaction, and thought must act directly on consciousness. Here is an aphorism, an example on this topic, it belongs to Friedrich Nietzsche: “The subtlest humor evokes the most imperceptible smile.” People often perceive great truths better with a smile on their face. David Andrew Gemmell, an English writer, said well on this subject: “None of us are made for life. This life was created for us. We live it and leave."
Quotes on the topic “Why”
The Secret Ingredient to Extraordinary Mental Toughness
Most of us believe that character can only be strengthened by going through difficult life situations. However, according to psychologists, developing true psychological endurance requires just the opposite approach.
Some people have enviable endurance and poise. We usually imagine them as such “tough nuts”, who have steeled themselves so much that any difficulties that life throws at them ricochet away from them.
If we consider psychological endurance from this point of view, it is easy to imagine how one can develop this quality in oneself. Set difficult-to-achieve goals, leave your comfort zone, constantly fight with yourself, then you will not mind any difficulties.
But is this really so? Many psychologists believe that developing true mental toughness requires the exact opposite approach. Don't try to hide yourself behind three-layer armor. All you really need is love and inspiration.
Dedication and enthusiasm will help you survive failure.
American sociologist, writer and journalist David Brooks discussed this topic in his column in the New York Times. He wrote about college students. Many believe that in order for the younger generation to learn to cope with life's difficulties, its representatives need to get a few bumps in themselves, and not hide behind their parents who are always caring for them.
Brooks, in turn, admits that overprotection really does not lead to anything good. However, in his opinion, it is not so much the lack of difficulties that has a negative impact on young people, but the lack of purpose in life. It is the goal that helps people get through fire and water.
The people who impress us with their toughness aren't really tough. They are passionately and sincerely devoted to their cause, goal or loved one. This devotion and inspiration helps such people survive failures, cope with pain and betrayal. David Brooks
Resilience has nothing to do with fear of failure
Positive psychology expert Christine Carter makes a similar point, but provides more practical examples. In her opinion, we make a grave mistake by simply trying to cultivate resilience. This approach is too perfectionistic, it is not connected with internal motivation.
The abstract desire to never give up and always be perfect has nothing to do with real resilience. What we really need to cultivate in ourselves is that passion and enthusiasm that allows us to survive even the most difficult times. Christine Carter
According to Christine Carter, if you are a teacher or have children of your own and want to build mental toughness in them, the first thing you need to do is forget about what you want from them. Instead, focus on what inspires them and keep them inspired.
In other words, if you want to achieve the mental toughness you desire, you first need to find your true passion, purpose, calling, or true love.
Aphorism and quote
In the text, the aphorism is framed as a quotation - a completely matching extract from the text. All punctuation marks must be repeated. The boundary of such an aphorism in your text should be indicated by quotation marks. You can highlight it in a different font. At the end, be sure to include the name of the author of the statement and its source.
The role of aphorisms in our fast-paced age, when it is sometimes necessary to convey broad and deep thoughts very briefly, is extremely great. They can inspire a person to take many positive actions and help overcome difficulties. The perfection and depth of thought of an aphorism is the best science of life.
Examples of aphorisms
Relying on popular experience or the philosophical thought of a famous person, the speaker achieves the greatest persuasiveness and expressiveness of his speech. As examples, we will give popular expressions of great people about the meaning of life and life values.
Aphorisms about the meaning of life
To live is to fight; to fight is to live (P. Beaumarchais).
For me, living means working (I.K. Aivazovsky).
To reach the goal, you must first go (O. Balzac).
In life, you should strive not to overtake others, but yourself (M. Babcock).
He who wants to achieve a lot must set high demands (I. Goethe).
The true purpose of man is to live, not to exist (Jack London).
Man lives on earth not in order to become rich, but in order to become happy (Stendhal).
No goal is so high as to justify unworthy means to achieve it (A. Einstein).
Reading a book or article, we rejoice at a true and deep thought, apt expression, and a clever and vivid comparison of the author, expressed in a laconic form. Such short phrases are easily learned and remembered and subsequently leave the pages of the printed publication and become catchphrases.
Let us remember the words of L.N. Tolstoy, who believed:
True wisdom is terse.
So, aphorisms are the wisdom of humanity, sifted through the sieve of time.
Particularly often quoted is Ivan Andreevich Krylov, who in his moralizing fables composed many expressions that received a second life outside the text of his works and later became aphorisms.
Aphorisms by I. A. Krylov
And Vaska listens and eats.
And nothing has changed.
And you, friends, no matter how you sit down, are still not fit to be musicians.
And the casket simply opened.
It’s a disaster if a shoemaker starts baking pies, and a cake maker starts making boots.
Spinning like a squirrel in a wheel.
Demyanov's ear.
Green grapes.
Returning from distant travels.
The cuckoo praises the rooster because he praises the cuckoo.
Swan, crayfish and pike.
Disservice.
The titmouse brought glory, but did not set the sea on fire.
Joy took the breath away from my throat.
There is no beast stronger than a cat.
Trishkin caftan.
A helpful fool is more dangerous than an enemy.
Although the eye can see, the tooth is numb.
Why should godmothers work hard? Isn’t it better to work for yourself, godfather?
What are aphorisms and where can they be used?
A well-formulated thought is always short and clear. Vivid and imaginative thoughts are remembered best, and they are much easier to convey to your interlocutor.
The best example of successful formulation of successful thoughts can be aphorisms, which represent a real treasury of human wisdom. Many famous aphorisms have reached our time from very ancient times, but have not lost their relevance today.
What is an aphorism? Examples of aphorisms in literature Famous aphorisms about women Examples of aphorisms about men Aphorisms about love
What is an aphorism?
From the Greek, the word “aphorism” is translated as “definition” . An aphorism is an original, complete thought formulated in a laconic, memorable text form and subsequently repeated by other people.
At its core, an aphorism is almost identical to a proverb, with the difference that a proverb is considered a product of folk art, and an aphorism always has a specific author. Aphorisms owe their high information capacity to conciseness, accuracy and figurativeness of formulation. Here are a few aphorisms about aphorisms.
• Save time - read aphorisms.
• An aphorism is characterized by artistic thought.
• The shorter the aphorism, the longer the reflection on it.
• To make your speech meaningful, weigh every word.
In the text of the last of the above aphorisms, the aphorism is not mentioned at all, but it is directly related to them. The power of an aphorism is directly proportional to its brevity: the shorter the message, the easier it is for people to accept it, understand it, remember it and pass it on to their descendants.
Nowadays, almost any textual information that has become available to a wide range of readers is somehow stored somewhere in digital form. Until quite recently, the situation was different: unnecessary and uninteresting texts for the most part disappeared from the face of the earth and from the memory of people, not being preserved for future generations.
Unfortunately, a similar fate befell many brilliant works of the human mind. But the most successful, imaginative and viable thoughts are preserved in human culture as aphorisms, which are a kind of “concentrate” of the wisdom of our ancestors and contemporaries.
The use of aphorisms in colloquial speech is a sign of high culture and solid erudition. But don’t overdo it - if a person uses other people’s thoughts too often, others may get the impression that he doesn’t have his own.
Examples of aphorisms in literature
Aphorisms have the most direct relation to literature: firstly, they themselves are one of the small literary forms, and secondly, many well-known aphorisms have come to us from literary works.
Are you familiar with the following aphorisms?
• The ellipses are the tiptoe marks of words gone by.
• Happy hours are not observed.
• Friendship is the ability to remain silent together.
• A helpful fool is more dangerous than an enemy.
All these are lines from the works of famous Russian writers, which gradually acquired independent cultural significance and became widespread as aphorisms.
Famous aphorisms about women
Aphorisms affect many, if not all areas of human life, including relations between the sexes. There are many apt aphorisms about men, women, and the strong feelings that they often experience for each other. Let's start with the most beautiful half of humanity.
• In order to understand a woman, you need to be one.
• Women are created to be loved, not to be understood.
• There are two ways to command a woman, but no one knows them.
• The smarter a woman is, the more stupid things she does.
Examples of aphorisms about men
Let's move on to aphorisms dedicated to representatives of the stronger and braver sex.
• In a real man there is hidden a child who wants to play.
• The ideal man does not drink, does not smoke, does not gamble in casinos, never argues and... does not exist.
• A true gentleman is one who always calls a cat a cat, even if he trips over it and falls.
• The way to a man's heart is through his stomach.
Aphorisms about love
And now - a few aphorisms about the brightest of all feelings that a man and a woman can experience for each other.
• To love means to find your own happiness in the happiness of another.
• Love wears glasses through which copper appears as gold, poverty as wealth, and drops of fire as pearls.
• To love means to see a miracle that is invisible to others.
• Friendship often ends in love, but love rarely ends in friendship.
Aphorisms are short sayings with deep meaning and elaborate form. Aphorisms are expressive.
Aphorisms (Greek, “definition”) are original, complete thoughts expressed in a laconic, memorable form. In aphorisms the maximum concentration of the message is achieved.
The term was first included in the title of a medical treatise by Hippocrates. Then, aphorisms began to be compiled into thematic and author’s collections. Their release became traditional with the publication of “Adazhie” by Erasmus of Rotterdam. Mostly, aphorists are wits and wits, endowed with a philosophical outlook on life. Compositional and semantic perfection in the best aphorisms is achieved through the creation of an artistic image in which an intellectual task is stated or a hint of its solution is given.
Aphorisms. The Great Soviet Encyclopedia gives the following formulation: “An aphorism (Greek aphorismos - a short saying), a generalized, complete and deep thought of a certain author, expressed in a laconic, polished form, distinguished by precise expressiveness and obvious unexpectedness of judgment. Like a proverb, A. does not prove, does not argue, but influences consciousness with the original formulation of a thought.”
We found the most precise formulation of the concept of “aphorism” in the work of N. M. Klashnikova “Aphorism as a feature of V. Tokareva’s idiostyle.” As follows from her abstract: “an aphorism is a microtext of a generalizing nature.” Aphorisms are ambivalent because they act in two qualities - a speech, discursive sign and an artistic text of a certain genre. The perceived aphorism in the first and second hypostases generalizes and typifies the diverse manifestations of personal and public life and firmly exists in communication as its organic part, as a concentrated and capacious form of artistic reflection of reality and expression of the native speaker’s attitude towards it. In recent decades, there has been a tendency towards the active use, variation and rethinking of aphorisms in fiction and journalistic literature, periodicals and live speech.
Why are aphorisms passed down from century to century? Aphorisms are of interest to humanity because aphorisms touch on problems that are associated with all aspects of our lives and that concern each of us. What are aphorisms and what are their features? By definition, aphorisms are an original, complete thought expressed or captured on paper in a laconic form and subsequently mentioned more than once by other people. People have used aphorisms at all times to interpret a range of certain concepts related to a person and his life. Each of us chooses our own aphorisms, but a reasonable question still arises: why are these aphoristic collections - aphorisms - needed?
Every schoolchild and student uses certain aphorisms, knowing full well that conscious perception of a particular educational or scientific discipline is possible only on the basis of a clear understanding of the essence of its basic concepts, which can be considered as the ABCs of the subject being studied. But everything turns out to be more complicated. Everyday understanding and scientific understanding of terms are far from the same thing. Terms and aphorisms differ in that aphorisms are understandable to absolutely everyone. Students do not have the necessary rigor of concepts, and therefore have difficulty understanding some lectures. They need psychological dictionaries to understand some terms. But the aphorisms are clear to everyone. Likewise in life, life dictionaries are needed to understand some aspects of our complex lives.
There is no science called “life”, but there are aphorisms that can be called a dictionary of life. Life science is not studied either at school or at university. But life is the most complex science that a person has to learn from his own experience, which is transmitted through aphorisms. This is evidenced by the fact that aphorisms about life are presented in the largest number. And if to study psychology it is necessary to know the terminological base of this science, which can be gleaned from dictionaries or textbooks, then for the study of life aphorisms can become such a base.
From the first days to the end of his existence on Earth, man comprehends the science of life. And “Experience is the best teacher, but the price of teaching is too high” (Thomas Carlyle). For mistakes made, the cause of which is precisely ignorance of basic laws, rules, principles of life or social norms, one often has to pay severely. And the most expensive price of this reckoning is the years spent aimlessly.
For everyone who wants to understand their life in all its diversity and complexity of manifestations, there are aphorisms. Why do we need to know what people thought in the past? After all, we have completely different conditions and problems. But aphorisms are based on life experience. Yes, the conditions are different, but life’s problems, which are formally defined as social, remain the same. And the great thoughts of great people - aphorisms - help us understand our complex existence today.
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If a wise man is given knowledge of the world, he accepts joy, grief, and sadness equally. Be what you want: wine that quenches thirst, or the thirst that it generates in us. (O. Khayyam)
Today I would like to express some thoughts about aphorisms and smart thoughts “in general.”
I have been publishing the “Smart Thoughts” newsletter for more than 2 years. Aphorisms and quotes from great people." Therefore, you often have to think about the meaning of this activity, about the topic of aphorisms, answer letters... At the same time, I don’t want to express myself in the sense that “I have studied so much and understood something, therefore...”. I prefer a somewhat detached approach and a minimum of comments on the aphorisms and quotes used.
However, someone may find the question interesting: “Why do we need aphorisms?” , after all, “What has been is what will be; what has been done will be done..." and "there is no memory of the former...".
The purpose of this article is an attempt at a generalized answer to the question “ What can I get from reading and thinking about other people’s statements?” ".
I would immediately like to somewhat reduce the significance of such a goal as “comprehension of wisdom” through reading and memorizing aphorisms. For as it is said in Ecclesiastes “... in much wisdom there is much sorrow; and whoever increases knowledge increases sorrow.” And multiplying sorrow in our not very cheerful time is not the best thing to do. 
Let's approach this issue from the other side... If I know (learned) 10,000 aphorisms, and you only 5,000, this does not mean that I am 2 times smarter (wiser) than you. Or if we take a collection of aphorisms selected by an “impartial compiler” and try, based on the clever thoughts we read, to create a certain “vector of actions” that will lead us to the desired goal, then we are unlikely to succeed, because aphorisms will contradict each other and the total vector will be approximately equal to zero...
So, to obtain a certain universal algorithm of actions, an answer to all questions (like Douglas Adams’ “Answer to the main question of life, the universe and everything”), to comprehend the truth, to solve all problems... with the help of studying and analyzing aphorisms, we, unfortunately, have it won’t work... However, don’t be upset.
In addition to the fact that reading aphorisms in itself is a fascinating and useful activity, it periodically provides answers to some specific questions that we were trying to solve and did not know where to start and “What should we do?” And then - “one... and everything is decided.” This moment of insight does not happen to us very often, but “it’s worth it” to spend time and read “various platitudes.”
And when you feel that nothing has changed in thousands of years, that humanity is solving (or not solving) the same problems, then you seem to be joining something sacred. Some will call it God, others Nature, the Universe... It can be something sad, but it can give us additional strength and support in difficult times (like “you’re not the first, you’re not the last”). As Viktor Pivnev said today: “... we are fed up with all the changing from empty to empty, and the tug-of-war of ropes of varying thickness. It's nice to read something clear, logical and consistent."
Now we can note an increased interest in “eternal questions”, in religion, history, esotericism... This all finds a logical explanation. Our ideology is “What is modernization and what is it used for?”). The idea of “total enrichment” somehow doesn’t really take root “on our soil” (and it cannot replace everything at once)... A vacuum arises... The highest meaning of our existence disappears...
People refuse to accept the ideas imposed by the “consumer society” that “I am what I am worth on the market”, “I should want what is advertised”... That is. These are quite important questions, but it is impossible to solve only them, to completely exclude the “higher meaning” and philosophical reflections!
For some, such reflections revolve on a philosophical plane, for others - on a religious one... someone “dives” into esotericism, mysticism and horoscopes... someone proves the Poincaré theorem... It seems that the nature of these diverse aspirations is still the same ...
I would like to note one more important (from my point of view) point. If you compile thematic collections of aphorisms (which is what I do in the newsletter “Clever Thoughts. Aphorisms and Quotes from Great People.”), then it becomes noticeable that “comrade sages cannot come to a consensus” on almost all issues! Those. any opinion can be supported by “carefully selected aphorisms” (enlist the support of comrades Socrates, Aristotle and Confucius ). And if the great ones cannot agree among themselves, then why should we, mere mortals, argue?? Although, it must be admitted that there are almost no disagreements on some “main issues”.
Argument is most often a desire to show one’s learning (but “he who knows does not speak”). If “the one who knows does not speak,” then we need to focus more on thinking and trying to understand what seems illogical and understand ourselves (“why do I want to argue and swear in this place?”, “maybe this is where Is there a solution to my problem?").
So, let's summarize. What is the greatest benefit of reading aphorisms (and most importantly, reflecting on what you read)?
1) Insight. Getting answers to questions that “torment” you (or just interest you) 2) Getting to know “something eternal.” Connection of generations. 3) Uniting people. You understand that “the world has not gone crazy,” that “many people think the same as me,” which means that all is not lost 4) Tolerance of other people’s opinions. The more you think about the statements you read, the more often you come to the conclusion that “although I think differently, there is something in this too.”
Of course, there are many “additional advantages” in reading aphorisms, these are: - training the mind (memory :)) - searching for ways (algorithms) to solve problems (from as small as possible to as large as you like); - “creative”. Everything new is well forgotten old; — search for additional argumentation to substantiate your position; - the opportunity to “shine” in society; ….
However, the first 4 points seem to me to be the most important. Because “additional” advantages may not be of interest to everyone, and some may even consider them “too petty”
Sincerely, Alexander Green
Aphorisms are like lawyers who inevitably see only one side of the case. (F. Burgess)
If an aphorism needs explanation, then it is unsuccessful. (L. Vauvenargues)
The correct dosage of aphorisms: minimum words, maximum meaning. (Mark Twain)
An aphorism is perhaps the best form for presenting philosophical opinions. (L. Tolstoy)
Acquaintance with the thoughts of bright minds constitutes an excellent mental exercise: it fertilizes the mind and refines thought. (I. Herder)
Aphorisms in cinema
Many catchphrases came to us from movie screens and television. True, it is important not to confuse aphorisms with quotes.
Let us remind you that there must be a deep meaning . Thus, the phrases “I'll be back” (“I will return”) from the lips of the Terminator or “Stirlitz, and I will ask you to stay” cannot be considered aphorisms.
Aphorisms from Russian and Soviet films:
To betray in time is not to betray. This is to foresee! ("Garage"). Power is in the truth. Whoever has the truth is stronger (“Brother 2”). If a person is an idiot, then this will last for a long time (“The Diamond Arm”). Don’t teach me how to live, it’s better to help me financially (“Moscow doesn’t believe in tears”). With a good woman, a man can become a man (“Look for a woman”).
Of course, from foreign films - after all, the language is different, and the translation features are different. But there are also striking examples:
If you don't know what you want, you'll die in a pile of things you didn't want (Fight Club). Psycho and genius are two extremes of one essence (Pirates of the Caribbean). Keep your friends close and your enemies closer (The Godfather Part II).
Speaking about cinema, one cannot help but recall the brilliant actress Faina Ranevskaya . Her statements, both on screen and in life, immediately went viral. She was not afraid to insert a strong word and call a spade a spade. And she gave out one aphorism after another.
As a result, even entire collections were published, which included Ranevskaya’s statements. Here are just a few of them:
If a person wants to live, doctors are powerless. Optimism is a lack of information. Loneliness is when there is a telephone in the house and the alarm clock rings. Don't have clowns and idiots in your life. The circus must tour. It’s better to be a good person and swear than to be a quiet, educated creature.
