Little Truths to go – How aphorisms can amaze you? – Ben Rakidzija

Tear-off calendars with aphorisms are back in fashion. At the very least, one might conclude that if you go to a bookstore or a rock & gem store where they are available at the checkout, matte, or flashing. Some people fear that aphorisms are to be read dryly and are upset with their truths. But sententia, as you call aphorism, usually has something warm-hearted and caring about it.

The ancient Greek doctor, Hippocrates, says:

 

This is not only one of the most famous aphorisms in history but also a wake-up call from everyday life, a mirror, which illustrates our living environment, which transports the essential values of life. Aphorism has a good heart; it is important to it that we feel comfortable in its presence. It is therefore not essential if you decorate the tear-off calendar unnecessarily. The aphorism is a piece of jewelry, and much more: An everyday helper, a mentor, an inspiration and a gentle thought stimulus.

I heard a newspaper publisher say: “Aphorisms? That is no longer au courant.” But, people who speak like this not only overlook the timelessness of such sayings, but also their knowledge of our time. Just consider the next quote from Hippocrates. It says:

There is no need to explain the relationship of this ancient sentence to the current corona-crisis. In Hippocrates’ aphorismi we have the first known collection of aphorisms in Europe. It was followed by many other collections, from antiquity to modern times: From Epiktets handbook of morals (2nd century AD) to the sayings of Elias Canetti (21st century). Such collections are still in existence today, as they still help to overcome some everyday worries; because they are concise, often humorous, because they encourage us to spark our minds and to trust our inner self. To read a little saying from such collections every day: Can’t it be beautiful, not useful for life? In times when truths are sold to us in the media, which are often crooked and bent: isn’t that nice there are truths that one can trust; that gives us a certain character attitude?

At least it was hoped that our kings and queens would occasionally turn to philosophy instead of writing autobiographies (at least of 500 pages); with such books, of course, you can kill people without hitting their hearts.

Wouldn’t it be possible for future politicians to look at themselves – in an aphoristic way? After all, Emperor Marc Aurel did this with his Meditations. The little book still exists today and is light luggage. Should life be more difficult than it is? “No!” cries the aphorist. And gives us what we so often ask for: A brief enlightenment, in the brevity of life.

About the Author:

Ben Rakidzija is a writer, philosopher and a yoga teacher. His most famous sessions are YogaHolidays that happen during summers and winters. His new book, “Das Buch der kleinen Wahrheiten” is coming out in June 2020. You can read about him, here.

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