Oxford English Dictionary: Any principle, precept, or rule for behavior expressed in few words; a short pithy sentence containing a truth of general import; a maxim. () An original laconic phrase conveying some principle or concept of thought. synonyms: maxim, wise saying, epigram, apothegm, axiom, proverb, adage, moral, byword, motto, sound bite
Web definitions: http://www.dictionary.com/browse/aphorism: a terse saying embodying a general truth, or astute observation, as “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely” (Lord Acton). https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aphorism: a concise statement of a principle https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aphorism: Many societies have traditional sages or culture heroes to whom aphorisms are commonly attributed, such as the Seven Sages of Greece, Confucius or King Solomon. [In American literature and culture: Mark Twain, Benjamin Franklin, Emerson, Dorothy Parker, Will Rogers . . . .]
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