Aphorism: an example of wisdom and adornment of speech

People do not just collect aphorisms. In addition to already published books with their collections, numerous sites on the Internet, many of us have their own, personal collections of statements. I must say that of all existing collections a set of favorite aphorisms will be an example of your wisdom, not greed or irrepressible pride.

What is an aphorism?

Aphorism is an absolutely complete, logically completed thought, expressed laconically, in an artistic form. It must be original, unusual and meaningful intellectually. As a rule, the 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 the chosen number of words, sometimes makes it a real masterpiece. The monotony and wretchedness of our speech, which sometimes smacks of kazhenschina, can be corrected and enriched.

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 my youth is understood with years. In any case, he has to think, because the thought in the words of great people is often unconventional, and sometimes paradoxical.

History of the aphorism

The word aphorism in translation from Greek means "definition." The use of this term is first attributed to Hippocrates. But there were no long traditions to publish them with separate books. The opportunity to open a book and consolidate one's idea by reading an aphorism-an example of a great author's statement-first appeared in 1500, when Erasmus of Rotterdam published Adagia. This book was a collection of not only aphorisms, but also sayings, anecdotes and sayings. This was the first edition of this kind.

I want to mention in this connection the famous "Maxims" Francois de La Rochefoucauld, who represented a collection of stinging and poisonous statements of the author himself. The first book was published in 1665.

Famous aphorisms of great people

This form of presentation of thought is sometimes and quite practical. When a person cites in his speech as an additional argument the aphorisms of great people, by this he psychologically calls the author of the quote to himself as an ally. This gives the listeners confidence in the speaker. This is a very effective and powerful technique.

It does not matter in what conversation you are taking part: at a friendly party, a meeting of the scientific community, in a political discussion, at a presentation, or at a meeting among colleagues. A skillfully and timely inserted aphorism will help you and consolidate success.

It is necessary to be careful and think before speaking, because negligently said, or even worse, wrong and out of place, the aphorism applied can not only not help, but also harm the business. The Roman philosopher and writer Lucius Annie Seneca said: "Education of people was to begin with proverbs, and must end in thoughts." Aphorisms of great people must be remembered completely, word for word. And of course, in the speech it should be mentioned who is the author.

Aphorisms and humor

The aphorism does not have to be solemn and serious. Quite permissible aphorisms are funny, but the humor in them is not an end in itself. It is rather a means of expression. In addition, the joke quickly reaches our senses, passing by 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, he belongs to Friedrich Nietzsche: "The most subtle humor evokes the most inconspicuous smile." People are often better at perceiving great truths with a smile on their face. On this account, David Andrew Gammel, an English writer, said well: "None of us is created for life. This life is created for us. We live it and go. "

The aphorism or not?

How to distinguish it from a simple statement? The aphorism is, as a matter of fact, the saying. But not every saying becomes an aphorism. The saying can be just some kind of clever idea or thought, but not expressed in an artistic form beautifully and laconically and does not contain its inherent stylistics.

Such statements of great people in a form of edification can be a maxim. But the maxim is not necessarily an aphorism. An example of a maxim is any motto, slogan, slogan of advertising.

Proverbs are sometimes confused with aphorisms. The proverb is a folk phrase in a rather concise statement, it has a simple syntax structure. It makes sense edifying or instructive, sometimes it has rhyme or rhythm. The proverb is simple and intelligible design. The problem in it is expressed in the form of everyday or everyday situations. Therefore, the proverbs are simpler, although their meaning is significant. The aphorism is often complex, but it has a very clear and unambiguous meaning. One can quote such an example, an example to this explanation: "Love is a theorem that must be proved every day anew." By the way, in the series "Aphorisms of Love" he is paradoxical in that he belongs to the mechanic, mathematician and engineer Archimedes. Here there is an unambiguous meaning, a beautiful style with a light tinge of contradiction. No domestic situation like: "Without difficulty, you will not pull a fish out of the pond" - there is no trace.

A quotation and a quote

In the text, the aphorism is made out as a quotation - a completely identical extract from the text. All punctuation 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 name the author of the statement and its source.

The role of aphorisms in our fast age, when sometimes it is necessary to very briefly convey the vast and profound thoughts, is extremely large. They can inspire a person to do many positive things and help to overcome difficulties. The perfection and depth of thought of the aphorism is the best science of life.