Famous Examples That Highlight The Meaning and Use of Aphorism

Aphorisms, also known as 'wisdom literature', have been part of society since ancient times. Many of such phrases are used even today very commonly by all of us. Still, not many will know what exactly an aphorism is. Here, we'll look at the actual aphorism meaning, with a whole lot of examples for a better understanding of the concept.

Penlighten Staff

Last Updated: Feb 10, 2018

Literally!

Aphorism = 'Definition' or 'Distinction'

An aphorism can be used in numerous ways, be it day-to-day conversations, in songs, movies, or even when trying to be sarcastic. An aphorism is basically a short statement related to a principle. It contains an important truth of life. In simple words, an aphorism is a wise observation that is put across in a clever way.

The Oxford Dictionary of Literary Terms defines an aphorism as 'A statement of some general principle, expressed memorably by condensing much wisdom into a few words'. The aim is to point towards a precept, while at the same time being as concise and/or funny as possible.

Here are some of the best aphorism examples, which after reading, the concept will be understood much more clearly.

Commonly Used Aphorisms

A friend in need is a friend indeed.
―Proverb

A fool and his money are soon parted.
―Proverb

You have to take the bitter with the sweet.
―Proverb

A jack of all trades is a master of none.
―Proverb

A man is known by the company he keeps.
―Proverb

Winners never quit and quitters never win.
―Vince Lombardi

The more things change, the more they stay the same.
―French Saying

People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.
―Proverb

A nod is as good as a wink to a blind man.
―Proverb

Nothing succeeds like success.
―Christian D. Larson

A rolling stone gathers no moss.
―Publilius Syrus

Barking dogs seldom bite.
―Proverb

A penny saved is a penny earned.
―Benjamin Franklin

A stitch in time saves nine.
―Proverb

You're never too old to learn.
―Proverb

Once bitten, twice shy.
―Proverb

Aphorisms By Famous People

Youth is a blunder; manhood a struggle; old age a regret.
―Benjamin Disraeli

Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind.
―Rudyard Kipling

Life's tragedy is that we get old too soon and wise too late.
―Benjamin Franklin

Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.
―Albert Einstein

The worst loneliness is not to be comfortable with yourself.
―Mark Twain

In nature, there are neither rewards nor punishments―there are consequences.
―Robert G. Ingersoll

We ought never to do wrong when people are looking.
―Mark Twain

The only thing that interferes with my learning is my education.
―Albert Einstein

Knowledge is finite but ignorance knows no bounds.
―Charles Osgood

Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans.
―John Lennon

Necessity is the mother of invention.
―Plato

When a man has once loved a woman he will do anything for her except continue to love her.
―Oscar Wilde

The unexamined life is not worth living.
―Socrates

Unhappy is the land that needs a hero.
―Bertolt Brecht

Whenever you find that you are on the side of the majority, it is time to reform.
―Mark Twain

What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others.
―Confucius

If you don't stand for something you will fall for anything.
―Malcolm X

You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.
―Mae West

The butterfly counts not months but moments, and has time enough.
―Rabindranath Tagore

Sex and religion are closer to each other than either might prefer.
―St. Thomas Moore

Don't be so humble - you are not that great.
―Golda Meir

Funny Aphorisms

Atheism is a non-prophet organization.
―George Carlin

Time is a great teacher, but unfortunately it kills all its pupils.
―Hector Berlioz

If you can't dazzle them with brilliance, baffle them with bullshit.
―W.C. Fields

Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice Doggie' until you can find a rock.
―Will Rogers

My opinions may have changed, but not the fact that I am right.
―Ashleigh Brilliant

Anything that is too stupid to be spoken is sung.
―Voltaire

How much money is enough? Just a little more than you have.
―John D. Rockefeller

No matter how much you push the envelope, it will still be stationery.
―Anonymous

Anonymous Aphorisms

If I don't understand, don't tell me what I don't understand, tell me why.
―Unknown

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
―Unknown

If you haven't made a mistake, you haven't made anything.
―Unknown

Promises are lies with pretty ribbon tied around them.
―Unknown

Aphorism Examples in Literature

Act well your part; there all the honor lies.
―Alexander Pope

He does not possess Wealth, it possesses him.
―Benjamin Franklin

Poetry is the breath and finer spirit of all knowledge.
―William Wordsworth

A fool thinks himself to be wise, but a wise man knows himself to be a fool.
―William Shakespeare

If? There is no if. There is only what is. What was? What will be. The Writing on My Forehead.
―Nafisa Haji - The Writing On My Forehead

Aphorism Examples in Songs

Let's make the most of the night like we're gonna die young.
―Die Young - Ke$ha

You'll always be inside of me, like a flower you grow.
―Like A Flower - Madonna

You are like a dream come true.
―Brian McKnight

I think you're hot I think you're cool. You're the kinda guy I'd stalk in school.
―Cannibal - Ke$ha

Aphorisms in Movies

It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to your enemies, but a great deal more to stand up to your friends.
―Dumbledore - Harry Potter

'Deserves' got nuthin' to do with it.
―Billy Muny - Unforgiven

The bottom is loaded with nice guys. Only cream and bastards rise.
―Paul Newman - Harper

Life's a banquet, and most poor suckers are starving to death!
―Mame Dennis - Auntie Mame

After reading all these, you'll know exactly how to use an aphorism in a sentence. Also important is when to use one. Obviously, there are millions of other aphorisms really worth mentioning. If you have any of your personal favorites, feel free to share them with everyone here, in the comments section below.