Why Aphorisms?

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Wisdom is bound by insight,
and insight is bound by idea; --
the idea is bound by the sentence,
the sentence by the paragraph,
the paragraph by the page,
and the page by the book.
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Most books are so many cages
within cages, within cages.
If they contain insights,
you will be long in freeing them.

But aphorisms are relatively close
to the liberty of boundless Wisdom.

A solid book of aphorisms
is an exhibition of many truths,
each with just a latch or two to lift.

While there are many who receive
assurances from a great preponderance
of cages, bars, and locks,
I am not of their stamp.

Only fools are edified by exposition.
Philosophers (if I may make an adjustment
on the words and meaning of Samuel Johnson),
"need to be reminded, more often
than they need to be instructed".

Only give me the name of the sovereign; and
I myself will fondly remember, in my own manner,
the castle, the court, and the way to the kingdom.


"In the mountains the shortest way is from peak to peak, but for that route you must have long legs. Aphorisms should be peaks, and those spoken to should be tall and lofty. The atmosphere rare and pure, danger near and the spirit full of a joyful sarcasm: these things go well together. I want to have goblins about me, for I am courageous. Courage which scares away ghosts, creates goblins for itself- it wants to laugh... He who climbs high mountains, laughs at all tragic plays and tragic realities. Brave, unconcerned, mocking, violent- thus wisdom wants us; wisdom is a woman, and always loves only a warrior... And to me also, who appreciates life, the butterflies, and soap-bubbles, and whatever is like them, seem to know most about happiness. To see these light, foolish, pretty, lively little sprites flit about- that moves Zarathustra to tears and songs. I would only believe in a God who could dance. And when I saw my devil, I found him serious, thorough, profound, solemn: he was the spirit of gravity- through him all things fall. Not by wrath, but by laughter, do we kill. Come, let us kill the spirit of gravity! I learned to walk; since then have I let myself run. I learned to fly; since then I do not need to be pushed to move from a spot. Now I am light, now I fly, now I see myself beneath myself, now a god dances through me.- Thus spoke Zarathustra."
~ Friedrich Nietzsche