Aphorism
- ‘Aphorism’ is a term transferred from the “Aphorisms of Hippocrates”.
- Hippocrates, the ancient Greek physician, coined the term aphorism. He wrote a book called Aphorisms, which was full of short statements expressing medical truths.
- Aphorism is a statement of truth or opinion expressed in a concise and witty manner.
- In ancient times many of these aphorisms were in religious literature.
- Aphoristic collections, sometimes known as wisdom literature.
- Making use of aphorisms allows a writer to teach a philosophical or moral truth.
- The first noted published collection of aphorisms is Adagia by Erasmus.
- Many popular quotes that get passed around are examples of aphorisms.
- Aphorisms are closely related to proverbs and adages.
- Two influential collections of aphorisms published in the twentieth century were The Uncombed Thoughtsby Stanisław Jerzy Lec and Itch of Wisdom by Mikhail Turovsky.
- 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)
- Alexander Pope was a great aphorist of the 18th century.
- Example: “To err is human, to forgive divine.” (An Essay on Criticism)
- Literary writers such as Franz Kafka and Oscar Wilde are also noted for their frequent usage of aphorisms.
- Writers of literature often invent memorable aphorisms because they need to communicate a big idea in a striking manner.
- Some aphorisms that originated in literature and their origin is practically unknown, while other aphorisms are still penned with the writers.
