Literary notes about APOTHEGM (AI summary)
The word "apothegm" is typically employed in literature to denote a concise, pithy remark or a nugget of wisdom, often with an air of antiquity or folk tradition. For example, Edgar Allan Poe invokes it to recall the memorable quip of an old, weather-beaten Dutch navigator, enveloping the phrase in a nostalgic reminiscence ([1], [2]). Michel de Montaigne pairs it with "adage" to highlight the seasoned wit attributed to figures like Erasmus, underscoring the venerability of such maxims in conveying practical truth ([3]). Meanwhile, Edith Wharton uses the term to emphasize the powerful impact of proverbial wisdom as experienced by her character, Lily, aligning personal insight with cultural lore ([4]).
- In reading the above sentence a curious apothegm of an old weather-beaten Dutch navigator comes full upon my recollection.
— from The Works of Edgar Allan Poe — Volume 1 by Edgar Allan Poe - In reading the above sentence a curious apothegm of an old weather-beaten Dutch navigator comes full upon my recollection.
— from The Works of Edgar Allan Poe, The Raven Edition by Edgar Allan Poe - Had any one formerly brought me to Erasmus, I should hardly have believed but that all was adage and apothegm he spoke to his man or his hostess.
— from Essays of Michel de Montaigne — Complete by Michel de Montaigne - IF YOU WOULD FORGIVE YOUR ENEMY, says the Malay proverb, FIRST INFLICT A HURT ON HIM; and Lily was experiencing the truth of the apothegm.
— from The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton
