People do not just collect aphorisms. In addition to already published books with their collections, numerous sites on the Internet, many of us still have our own, personal collections of sayings. I must say that from all existing collections, a set of favorite aphorisms will be an example of your wisdom, and not greed or indefatigable pride.
What is aphorism?
Aphorism is an absolutely finished, logically completed thought, expressed concisely, in an artistic form. It must be original, unusual and meaningful intellectually. As a rule, 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, subject to a selected number of words, sometimes makes it a real masterpiece. The uniformity and wretchedness of our speech, from which sometimes it clearly smacks of statehood, 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 his youth is understood over the years. In any case, he is thought-provoking, since the idea in the words of great people is often non-standard, and sometimes paradoxical.
History of aphorism
The word aphorism in Greek means "definition". The use of this term is first attributed to Hippocrates. But there was no tradition of publishing them in separate books for a long time. The opportunity to open a book and consolidate your idea by reading an aphorism - an example of a statement by a great author - first appeared in 1500, when Erasmus of Rotterdam published Adagia. This book was a collection of not only aphorisms, but also sayings, jokes and sayings. This was the first edition of its kind.
In this connection, I would like to mention the famous “Maxims” by Francois de Larochefoucauld, which was a collection of poignant and poisonous statements by the author himself. The first book was published in 1665.
Famous aphorisms of great people
This form of presentation of thought is sometimes quite practical. When a person cites the aphorisms of great people in his speech as an additional argument, he psychologically calls on the author of the quote to be his allies. This develops trust in the speaker among the listeners. This is a very effective and powerful technique.
It does not matter what kind of conversation you take part in: at a friendly party, a meeting of the scientific community, in a political discussion, at a presentation, or at a meeting among colleagues. Skillfully and timely inserted aphorism will help you and consolidate success.
It is necessary to be careful and think before speaking, for a sloppily said, or even worse, incorrectly and out of place applied aphorism can not only not help, but also harm the cause. The Roman philosopher and writer Lucius Anney Seneca said: "The education of people should have begun with proverbs, and should have ended with thoughts." Aphorisms of great people must be remembered completely, word for word. And of course, in the speech one should mention who the author is.
Aphorisms and humor
The aphorism does not have to be solemn and serious. Aphorisms are quite admissible funny, but the humor in them is not an end in itself. It is rather a means of expression. In addition, a joke quickly reaches our senses, passing by consciousness. Sigmund Freud says that laughter is an unconscious reaction, and thought should directly affect consciousness. Here is an aphorism, an example on this topic, it belongs to Friedrich Nietzsche: "The most subtle humor causes the most inconspicuous smile." People often perceive great truths with a smile on their faces. In this regard, David Andrew Gemmel, an English writer, said well: “None of us are created for life. This life is made for us. We live and leave. ”
Aphorism or not?
How to distinguish it from a simple statement? Aphorism is, in fact, a saying. But not every saying becomes an aphorism. A saying can simply be some kind of clever idea or thought, but not expressed in an artistic form beautifully and succinctly and not containing its inherent stylistics.
Such statements of great people in edifying form can be a maxim. But maxim is not necessarily an aphorism. An example of a maxim is any motto, slogan, advertising slogan.
Sometimes proverbs are confused with aphorisms. A proverb is a popular expression in a rather brief summary, has a simple syntax structure. It makes sense edifying or instructive, sometimes it has a rhyme or rhythm. The proverb has a simple and intelligible design. The problem is expressed in the form of a household or everyday situation. Therefore, the proverbs are simpler, although their meaning is significant. The aphorism is often complicated, but it has a very clear and unambiguous meaning. You can give such a statement, an example of this explanation: "Love is such a theorem that needs to be proved every day again." By the way, in the series “Aphorisms about love” he is paradoxical in that he belongs to the mechanic, mathematician and engineer Archimedes. There is an unambiguous meaning, a beautiful style with a touch of contradiction. There is no mention of a household situation like: “Without labor, you can’t get the fish out of the pond”.
Aphorism and quote
Aphorism is drawn up in the text as a quote - a completely identical extract from the text. All punctuation marks must be repeated. The border of such an aphorism in your text should be indicated by quotation marks. You can select it in a different font. In the end, be sure to give the name of the author of the statement and its source.
The role of aphorisms in our fast age, when it is sometimes necessary to very briefly convey vast and deep thoughts, is extremely great. They can inspire a person to many positive actions and help to step over difficulties. Perfection and depth of thought of aphorism is the best science of life.