In today's fast-paced world, we're constantly bombarded with information, yet it seems like we're more confused than ever. But what if there were a way to distill all that noise into something simple and profound? Enter aphorisms - short, witty sayings that capture the essence of life.
For James Geary, an "aphorism addict," these nuggets of wisdom have been a source of guidance and inspiration since childhood. Born in 1945, Barbara Kruger's "I shop therefore I am" is a prime example of how aphorisms can speak to us today. Originally appearing on billboards in the 1980s, this phrase feels more relevant now than ever - in an era where social media dominates our lives and we're constantly bombarded with ads.
Another recent aphorism that caught Geary's eye is "Adults think with their mouths open." At its core, this phrase suggests that people tend to speak before they think. In today's age of instant communication, it's easier than ever to let our words slip out before we've even thought them through.
But not all aphorisms are about speaking up or being heard. Sometimes they're about embracing the unknown. Take "Life is the abyss into which we deliberately and joyfully thrust ourselves." This one, from an animatronic figure at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, suggests that life's uncertainty can be a catalyst for creativity and growth.
Of course, not all aphorisms are universally applicable. Geary notes that relying on AI to generate ideas and shape our language can defeat the purpose of having a brain and living one's own life. That being said, there is value in collecting and sharing these witty sayings - whether they're created by humans or machines.
For those looking to tap into this world of aphorisms, Geary recommends "The World in a Phrase: A Brief History of the Aphorism." This book offers a wealth of wisdom from ancient Greece to modern times, along with explanations of each phrase's history and significance. Whether you're an aphorism aficionado or just looking for some inspiration, this is a great place to start.
As we navigate the complexities of life in 2025, it's worth remembering that sometimes less is more. In the words of Barbara Kruger's "I shop therefore I am," our purchasing power can be a powerful tool - one that reveals our true nature as individuals. So next time you make a purchase, remember: you're not just buying stuff - you're affirming your existence.
For James Geary, an "aphorism addict," these nuggets of wisdom have been a source of guidance and inspiration since childhood. Born in 1945, Barbara Kruger's "I shop therefore I am" is a prime example of how aphorisms can speak to us today. Originally appearing on billboards in the 1980s, this phrase feels more relevant now than ever - in an era where social media dominates our lives and we're constantly bombarded with ads.
Another recent aphorism that caught Geary's eye is "Adults think with their mouths open." At its core, this phrase suggests that people tend to speak before they think. In today's age of instant communication, it's easier than ever to let our words slip out before we've even thought them through.
But not all aphorisms are about speaking up or being heard. Sometimes they're about embracing the unknown. Take "Life is the abyss into which we deliberately and joyfully thrust ourselves." This one, from an animatronic figure at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, suggests that life's uncertainty can be a catalyst for creativity and growth.
Of course, not all aphorisms are universally applicable. Geary notes that relying on AI to generate ideas and shape our language can defeat the purpose of having a brain and living one's own life. That being said, there is value in collecting and sharing these witty sayings - whether they're created by humans or machines.
For those looking to tap into this world of aphorisms, Geary recommends "The World in a Phrase: A Brief History of the Aphorism." This book offers a wealth of wisdom from ancient Greece to modern times, along with explanations of each phrase's history and significance. Whether you're an aphorism aficionado or just looking for some inspiration, this is a great place to start.
As we navigate the complexities of life in 2025, it's worth remembering that sometimes less is more. In the words of Barbara Kruger's "I shop therefore I am," our purchasing power can be a powerful tool - one that reveals our true nature as individuals. So next time you make a purchase, remember: you're not just buying stuff - you're affirming your existence.
. I mean, they've been around for ages but hearing about them on the news is like, fresh again 
. But what's wild is how some of these phrases feel more relevant today than ever. Like, "Adults think with their mouths open" - that's totes relatable lol. And yeah, it's crazy how much our lives are shaped by social media and ads 
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. Like, isn't the point of having a brain and living life supposed to be more than just spitting out pre-made phrases? Still, I guess it's worth checking out that book "The World in a Phrase" - sounds like a solid resource for some inspiration 
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. Like, sometimes life is the unknown and you just gotta dive in headfirst 
. But other times, it's all about taking a step back, thinking things through, and speaking up with intention 
. Either way, I'm down for some aphorisms - who knows what wisdom they'll bring 
?
but yeah collecting them can be super valuable 2, especially if ur lookin 4 inspiration or just wanna level up ur thinking 
I mean, Barbara Kruger's "I shop therefore I am" is cute and all, but who comes up with that stuff? And don't even get me started on how relatable it sounds like a tweet from some influencer. 
they help us process all the noise and find clarity 
i love how they can be short and sweet yet pack a big punch 
moment for me 
sometimes less is indeed more 
Anyway, I do love the idea of using aphorisms as guidance - it's a great way to teach my kid to think before they speak (and act). And that one about adults thinking with their mouths open? 
That's like, our entire conversation right now! 
. I was talking to my kid the other day and we were discussing how as kids, we used to say things like "be careful" or "don't touch" just because our parents said so 