Perhaps the excellence of aphorisms consists not so much in the expression of some rare or abstruse sentiment, as in the comprehension of some obvious and useful truth in a few words. We frequently fall into error and folly, not because the true principles of action are not known, but because, for a time, they are not remembered; and he may therefore be justly numbered among the benefactors of mankind who contracts the great rules of life into short sentences, that may be easily impressed on the memory, and taught by frequent recollection to recur habitually to the mind. Samuel Johnson
About This Quote

via Wikipedia Aphorism is a type of adage. A proverb or proverbial saying, it is short and pithy, containing many words which are easily remembered. It is the opposite of an epigram, which is longer than an aphorism but still has a point, and is usually written in a witty or humorous style. Epigram is a concise statement or saying that captures an important idea or maxim.

The word comes from the Greek epi (over) + gramma (mark). Epigrams are often witty and satirical, but can also be profound and philosophical. I hope you enjoyed the article :)

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