Quotations, Aphorisms, Proverbs, and More
The term “quotation” is part of a family of terms referring to short verbal statements that attempt to communicate insights and underlying truths about living and life. And while there are some nuanced distinctions among the different terms, we follow the popular practice of relatively ignoring these distinctions, and categorizing them all under the common heading: “quotations.”
What are quotations?
Just about everyone already knows, but for the sake of clarification:
Quotations are relatively short verbal statements taken from a text or speech, that are repeated by someone other than the original author or speaker.
As commonly recognized in popular usage, quotations have three main characteristics:
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They are relatively short in length – a phrase, single sentence or just a few sentences; and this is one of their most appealing features – the ability to convey interesting and meaningful ideas in only a relatively few words.
For example:
“To thine own self be true,” a world famous single-phrase quotation by William Shakespeare
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams,” a famous inspirational single-sentence quote by Eleanor Roosevelt
“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn,” a classic multi-sentence quote by Benjamin Franklin
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They are always accompanied by an attribution to an original author or speaker; or when that is not known, by an acknowledgement that the original author is unknown or anonymous.
For example:
“I find that the harder I work, the more luck I seem to have.” Thomas Jefferson (the attributed original author)
“Be like a duck, and let the water roll off your back.” Unknown (attributed to an individual, whose identity is not known)
“Be not afraid of growing slowly; be afraid only of standing still.” Chinese Proverb (attributed to a traditional saying from a national or ethnic culture, and not to any specific individual)
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They have the effect of expressing in a relatively few words general truths, insights, or principles about living and life.
For example:
“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched — they must be felt with the heart.” Helen Keller
“You will face many defeats in life, but never let yourself be defeated.” Maya Angelou
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” Nelson Mandela
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Other terms that are useful to know
Aphorism
An aphorism is a briefly stated comment or observation that attempts to convey a moral or philosophical idea regarded as being universally true.
For example:
“A penny saved is a penny earned” Benjamin Franklin
“To measure the man, measure his heart.” Malcolm Forbes
“Without forgiveness life is governed by an endless cycle of resentment and retaliation.” Roberto Assaglioli
If you are wondering what the difference is between quotations and aphorisms, you are probably not alone. The differences seem to be mostly academic, and not too consequential. But they are acknowledged by some.
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Proverbs
A proverb “is a simple and insightful traditional saying that expresses a perceived truth based on common sense or experience.”
For example:
“A picture is worth a thousand words.”
“Laughter is the best medicine.”
“Every cloud has a silver lining.”
Proverbs are not attributed to specific individuals, but rather to cultural traditions that are passed on from generation to generation.
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Maxims
A maxim “is a short, easily remembered expression of a basic principle, general truth or rule of conduct.”
For example:
“Actions speak louder than words.”
“You’re never too old to learn.”
“Too many cooks spoil the broth.”
Maxims and proverbs are very similar. In fact, they are practically synonymous. Neither of them is associated with attributed specific authors.
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Sayings
A saying “is a short, clever expression that usually contains advice or expresses some obvious truth.”
For example:
“Don’t judge a book by its cover.”
“Curiosity killed the cat.”
“Practice what you preach.”
For all practical purposes, sayings, proverbs, and maxims are, on the surface, synonymous.
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Epigrams
An epigram is a concise and briefly stated saying or remark that expresses an idea in a clever, amusing, or sarcastic way. It can also be a short poem, especially a satirical one, having a witty or ingenious ending.
For example:
“I can resist everything but temptation.” Oscar Wilde
“It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness.” Eleanor Roosevelt
“Candy/Is dandy,/But liquor/Is quicker.” Ogden Nash
Epigrams, unlike sayings, proverbs and maxims, are attributed to specific individuals.
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Other terms similar to sayings, proverbs, and maxims:
AXIOM: a statement or proposition which is regarded as being established, accepted, or self-evidently true. Example: the axiom that “supply equals demand.”
ADAGE: a proverb or short statement expressing a general truth. Example: “out of sight out of mind.”
PRECEPT: a general rule intended to regulate behavior or thought. Example: the legal precept of being “innocent until proven guilty
DICTUM: a short statement that expresses a general truth or principle. Example: “might makes right.”
In Summary:
“A rose by any other name would smell as sweet” (William Shakespeare)