An aphorism is a short, concise and often witty statement that expresses a general truth or a piece of advice.
Usage examples
The wise old man was known for his collection of aphorisms, short and catchy phrases that encapsulated his deep insights on various aspects of life.
During her speech, the speaker shared an aphorism that stuck with the audience: "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."
In his book on leadership, the author included a chapter dedicated to aphorisms as powerful reminders for effective decision-making, such as "First seek to understand, then to be understood."
The famous philosopher was celebrated for his thought-provoking aphorisms, like "The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing."
The teacher often started his lessons with an aphorism to grab the students' attention and spark a discussion, such as "Actions speak louder than words."
The alter ego didn't end with Duchamp; she also appeared in a series of aphorisms by the French Surrealist poet Robert Desnos who expanded upon the persona, describing her as a forgotten aristocrat and rightful queen of France. (artspace.com)
In the installation We're Getting Old, So Let's Talk Like This, the artist has taken aphorisms from wooden novelty plaques that communicate unshakeable optimism, humor or moral values. (steveturner.la)
I will never demand an art that provides answers, but I will plead for one that sets the right questions to the right people, and as I stood in an empty gallery and failed to connect with Thomas Locher's A Hundred Thousand Billion Societies (2017)-- a stack of boxes emblazoned with aphorisms about belonging — throngs of locals ghosted past, perspectives unchanged. (frieze.com)