Aphorism

Aphorism

An aphorism is an original thought, spoken or written in a laconic (concise) and memorable form. Aphorism literally means a "distinction" or "definition", from Greek ἀφορισμός (aphorismós), which is from ἀπό (apo) and ὁρίζειν (horizein), meaning "from/to bound". The term was first used in the Aphorisms of Hippocrates. The oft-cited first sentence of this work (see Ars longa, vita brevis) is:

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Famous quotes containing the word aphorism:

    “The aphorism offers a momentary sense of mastery over some confusion or unhappiness.”
    —Mason Cooley (b. 1927)

    “The aphorism wants to be at the same time both main line and off beat.”
    —Mason Cooley (b. 1927)

    “Writing an upbeat aphorism is a temptation, but decorum forbids.”
    —Mason Cooley (b. 1927)