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 sometimes casts off cynicism and expresses strong feeling.”
    —Mason Cooley (b. 1927)

    “Writing an upbeat aphorism is a temptation, but decorum forbids.”
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    “The aphorism offers a momentary sense of mastery over some confusion or unhappiness.”
    —Mason Cooley (b. 1927)