Question #1: What is an aphorism?

This word worked its way into a conversation this holiday season when the wine was flowing forth.  I got the general gist due to the conversational context – it’s an interesting or instructive quote – but because I fancy myself a bit of a wordy and a smidge nerdy, I had to know what the actual definition was.  So, off to wikipedia…

“The word aphorism (literally “distinction” or “definition”, from the Greek: ἀφορισμός, aphorismós ap-horizein “from-to bound”) denotes an original thought, spoken or written in a laconic and easily memorable form.  Usually an aphorism is a concise statement containing a subjective truth or observation cleverly and pithily written.”

It strikes me that Aphorisms are important when we’re starting something new – a new year, a new job, a new blog.  They can inspire us, challenge us and give us a little snack to think with.

So, on this new year’s day, I offer one of my favourite aphorisms:

“Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it.” – Goethe