The apothegm is a short sentence that contains a teaching, usually of the moral type . In this sense, apothegms are similar to popular sayings, aphorisms, proverbs, axioms, maxims or adages. Apophthegm
Its cultural origin and some illustrative examples
These little statements with moralizing intent arose in ancient Greece and continued into Roman civilization. It should be noted that philosophy became the new rational model that replaced the mythical stories of the past. These philosophical texts, especially related to ethics, were necessary to resort to a simple type of prayer (direct and clear) and that manifested a concrete idea. Thus, philosophers such as Aristotle and the sophists resorted to the apothegm as a simplified formula to express their ideas. Apophthegm
To illustrate the above reflection, we can mention some apothegms of the classical world:
– It is difficult to know yourself; Apophthegm
– Teach and learn the best;
– Don’t believe everything;
– Do not do to others what you would not want them to do to you;
– It doesn’t have to be pretty in the face, but pretty in the heart ;
– Be sure to take care of your parents. Apophthegm
Other types of small statements
Apothegms usually have a philosophical value . With little words can convey one knowledge deep and an invitation to reflection . In this sense, each little statement has a particular element.
So, the proverb is a popular phrase that purports to give useful advice to life. “If what you are going to say is not more beautiful than silence: don’t say it!”, this is an example of an Arabic proverb. The maxim is advice and a reflection on a certain subject and is attributed to a real character. “Luck favors the bold” is an illustrious maxim by Virgilio. Apophthegm
The axiom is a statement considered evident and true that is used in the field of mathematics, logic and science. For example, a straight line is the shortest distance between two points.
The refrain is similar to the proverb, being an ingenious popular saying that contains some moral “God helps early risers” or “It is better to be safe than sorry”. The aphorism is similar to the axiom, but while the aphorism is based on real and observable experience, the axiom does not require any kind of empirical proof.
