What is Aphorism?
Aphorism Definition
An aphorism is a short saying that observes a general truth˳ Aphorisms are often concise and mildly humorous statements that are intended to appeal to the masses as a message of wisdom or understanding, such as “some days you eat the bear; some days the bear eats you˳” Many famous aphorisms are quoted frequently, yet they often lose their meaning and impact as they become cliché˳
Use of Aphorism in Literature
Aphorism can be used in literature as a proverb, maxim, or adage that is meant to reflect a philosophical or moral “truth˳” This literary device can also indicate a writer’s wit and/or sense of irony, as many aphorisms are considered pithy or terse˳ Aphorisms are usually easily understood and remembered by readers, and they can be impactful when used sparingly˳
Common Aphorism Examples
Let us look at some common aphorism examples:
- Youth is a blunder; Manhood a struggle; Old age regret˳ [Benjamin Disraeli]
- Pride goeth before a fall˳ [Proverb]
- The man who removes a mountain begins by carrying away small stones˳ [William Faulkner]
- Life’s tragedy is that we get old too soon and wise too late˳ [Benjamin Franklin]
- Yesterday is but today’s memory, and tomorrow is today’s dream˳ [Khalil Gibran]
- The simplest questions are the hardest to answer˳ [Northrop Frye]
- …even a proverb is no proverb until your life has illustrated it˳ [John Keats]
- Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind˳ [Rudyard Kipling]
Examples of Aphorism in Literature
Many pieces of literature are appreciated for the aphorisms they contain, which are often cited by scholars as well as laymen˳ Below are some examples of aphorisms in literature:
Example #1: Various Works (By Sir Francis Bacon)
Sir Francis Bacon excels in the aphoristic style of writing˳ Possibly, his sayings are the most quoted of all˳ Consider the following examples:
- “Studies serve for delight, for ornament and for ability˳” (Of Studies)
- “To use too many circumstances, ere one come to the matter, is wearisome, to use none at all, is Blunt˳” (Of Discourse)
- “Praise is the reflection of the virtue˳ But it is the reflection glass or body which giveth the reflection˳” (Of Praise)
Example #2: Various Works (By William Shakespeare)
William Shakespeare does not fall behind any writer in the use of aphorisms in his plays˳ The use of abundant aphorisms testifies to his keen insight and judgment˳ Below are some examples:
- “Having nothing, nothing can he lose˳” (Henry VI)
- “Life is a tale told by an idiot – full of sound and fury, signifying nothing˳” (Macbeth)
- “Lord, what fools these mortals be!” (A Midsummer Night’s Dream)
Example #3: To Kill a Mocking Bird (By Harper Lee)
An example of aphorism can be seen in To Kill a Mocking Bird, by Harper Lee˳ Atticus Finch tells his daughter:
“You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view – until you climb into his skin and walk around in it˳”
The above statement holds truth, as we cannot claim to judge a person unless we understand the way he views the world and its affairs˳
Example #4: The Writing on My Forehead (By Nafisa Haji)
Nafisa Haji provides us an example of aphorism in her novel The Writing on My Forehead˳ Big Namina, a wise character, says:
“If? There is no if˳ There is only what is˳ What was? What will be˳”
We can perceive the truth in the above statement because it gives a message to always live in the moment˳ It tells us that it is useless to have regrets about the past, and we should move on with our lives for a better present and future˳
Example #5: Various Works (By Alexander Pope)
Alexander Pope was a great aphorist of the 18th century˳ Following are some memorable quotes from his works:
- “‘Tis education forms the common mind; just as the twig is bent, the tree’s inclined˳” (Golden Treasury of the Familiar)
- “To err is human, to forgive divine˳” (An Essay on Criticism)
- “What Reason weaves, by Passion is undone˳” (Essay on Man and Other Poems)
- “Act well your part; there all the honour lies˳” (An Essay on Man)
Function of Aphorism
As already mentioned in the above discussion, making use of aphorisms allows a writer to teach a philosophical or moral truth˳ The revealed truths prove relevant to human experiences of real life˳ Therefore, readers relate the piece of literature to real life, and become more fascinated and vigilant in their reading˳
Moreover, as truths are universal, revealing general truths in literature adds to their universal commendation˳ Motivational speeches quote aphorisms from such sources to inspire motivation among individuals˳
