Pithy Aphorisms to Guide You in Life

Aphorisms are among the oldest — and shortest — literary art forms. They tend to be concise statements or phrases that offer advice or insight in easy-to-remember nuggets that can be applied to a variety of situations. These brief, pithy sayings stay with us because they often use metaphors or imagery to make their point. Think: “the early bird gets the worm” or “a penny saved is a penny earned.” Their appeal lies in their ability to reflect our own understanding of the world, and they endure because they contain universal truths that resonate across generations.
Many renowned writers through the years have used their mastery of words to spin wisdom into memorable and witty maxims. From ancient wisdom to witty one-liners, here are 15 aphorisms to guide you in life.