Tags
"life lessons", aphorisms, fun, Human nature, knowledge, truth, wisdom, wit, words
Aphorisms are those things we remember! Things “Gramma” used to say. Strong, true, and concise, aphorisms contain bits of wisdom, wit or information in a small package. Synonyms include proverb, adage, and maxim.
Poor Richard’s Almanac (Remember, the one started by Benjamin Franklin) became noted for, among other things, its stellar content of a few! Drive thy business; let it not drive thee.
Generally, aphorisms are useful in conversation, but also as “guiding lights” through life’s winding journey. We all know some of these if we’ve been around at all. Politicians, religious speakers, and teachers use them frequently.
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.
Listed below is but a wee sampling for your perusal, edification, and enjoyment!
The reward of a thing well done is to have done it.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
If people are good only because they fear punishment, and hope for reward, then we are a sorry lot indeed. Albert Einstein
I am a foolish man that does stupid things, not a stupid man that does foolish things. Jonathan Troy
Applause is the spur of noble minds, the end and aim of weak ones. Charles Caleb Colton
Every dogma must have its day. H. G. Wells
Duct tape is like the force. It has a light side, and a dark side, and it holds the universe together. Carl Zwanzig
Would you live with ease, Do what you ought, and not what you please. Poor Richard’s Almanac
For those who fight for it, life has a flavor the sheltered will never know. Unknown
There cannot be a crisis next week. My schedule is already full. Henry Kissinger
No man e’er was glorious, who was not laborious. Poor Richard’s Almanac
I hope you’ve enjoyed a romp through an aphorism playground. Do you have a personal favorite to share?
Read more …
600 Proverbs (Aphorisms) from Poor Richard’s Almanac
blogsense-by-barb 
I’m surprised Poor Richard’s Almanac listed these as aphorisms, some of them being quite modern. I recently worked on a quotations book and most of these are in there as quotes by famous people. Oscar Wilde, Ambrose Bierce, and Dorothy Parker are my favorites—it seems just about everything they said lived on in a famous quote.
I guess the word “aphorism” is up to the editor! But yes, the definition of aphorism would certainly include famous quotes.
One of my favorites by Oscar Wilde is “I’m not young enough to know everything.” Now isn’t that the truth!
Wouldn’t some of these make great prompts for some flash fiction?
Not all of them were from there. Some are just “known.” I guess the line between “proverb,” “cliche,” and aphorism is a bit blurry! lol
I like the bits of wisdom, especially with a touch of humor.
Thank you! I appreciate your perspective!