An aphorism, according to the Merriam Webster Dictionary is a ,“terse formulation of a truth or sentiment.” They are used to help people better understand the example or idea being stated. An example of an aphorism is, “I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning to sail my ship.” This statement is telling about life and how one shouldn’t be afraid of it because life's a lesson. One might make mistakes and achievements, but overall it's the experience one gains from it that counts.
The first part of this aphorism, “I am not afraid of storms,” is bold and straightforward.
The word storms, is referencing the general idea of life. It is stating not to be scared of any parts of life …show more content…
As time went on, achievements grew more and more important and harder to reach. For instance, keeping a
4.0 throughout high school. If one were to replace the first part of this certain aphorism and plug in an example of an achievement and replace storm with life and sail with live, it would read, “I am not afraid of achievements, for I am learning to live life. This certain example is referencing a good time in life.
When Louisa May Alcott said, “I am learning to sail my ship,” she referenced the mistakes that are made in life also. For example, accidently not remembering to feed your goldfish when one was little and killing it or a more mature example would be, ruining a relationship filled with trust and love. These certain examples would be referencing a sour time in life. These moments could be filled with sadness or disappointment.
Aphorisms are meant to help break down an example and guide an interpreter to understand the example in an easier way. The aphorism, “I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning to sail my ship,” incorporates all the moments in one's life, the mistakes and achievements that made, and shapes a person into who she or he is