Aphorism

An aphorism, from the Greek aphorismos, denoting delimitation, distinction and definition, is a concise, terse, laconic or memorable expression of a general truth or principle. The cited article says aphorisms are often handed down by tradition from generation to generation, that the concept is generally distinct from those of an adage, brocard, epigram, maxim, proverb and saying, although some of these could be construed as types of aphorism, and that aphorisms are often distinguished from other short sayings by the need for interpretation to make sense of them, Andrew Hui defining one as a short saying that requires interpretation. Its famous example is that you cannot step into the same river twice. Philosophical works the atlas records as aphorisms or fragments are grouped under this entry together with Literary Fragment.