"But aphorisms aren't just historical artifacts. People regularly come up with new ones, and even if they haven't come from the pen of Confucius or Emily Dickinson, they can shed light on the modern human experience with just a few words. In fact, the aphorism is, in some ways, perfectly suited to the digital age: the oldest form of literature finds its ideal vehicle in the most modern short modes of communication,"
"Geary calls himself an aphorism addict. The author has been fascinated by these nuggets of wisdom since he was an eight-year-old reading the Quotable Quotes section of Reader's Digest. I loved the puns, paradoxes and clever turns of phrase. And I was amazed at how such a compact statement could contain so much significance, Geary writes. These really were words to live by, and when I was about 13, I started collecting them. They continue to guide him through adult life, Geary says."
"When he was laid off from a job in journalism years ago amid media downsizing, he panicked. But within minutes of receiving the bad news, he thought of this line from Swedish poet and aphorist Vilhelm Ekelund: to be placed on treacherous ground is good, because we only learn to stand on our own two feet when the ground is shaking underneath them."
Aphorisms like 'a penny saved' remain culturally familiar while new aphorisms continue to emerge. Short, compact statements can illuminate modern human experience and suit digital short-form communication. A lifelong collector began gathering witty puns, paradoxes and turns of phrase in childhood and still relies on them for guidance. During a job layoff, recalling an aphorism about standing on treacherous ground provided perspective and the confidence to respond. Aphorisms do not solve problems directly but create mental space and affirmation that help people solve problems themselves. A curated collection spans ancient to contemporary examples with historical notes and significance.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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