Please copy into the Class Notes section of your notebook. Aphorisms Please copy into the Class Notes section of your notebook.

Refresher… What is an Aphorism? A concise statement of principle that communicates a universal truth or significant observation about life, humanity, the universe, etc. A simple observation that contains a general truth. Think concise. Think wise. i.e. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

“The only way to read a book of aphorisms without being bored is to open it at random and, having found something that interests you, close the book and meditate.” Prince Charles-Josef de Ligne  (1735 - 1814) 

What follows are some popular examples of aphorisms What follows are some popular examples of aphorisms. In your own words, analyze the aphorism in 1-2 sentences. What does it mean? What is the idea that the author is trying to convey? Keep in mind that there is always a deeper meaning than what is visible on the surface…

Youth is a blunder; Manhood a struggle; Old age regret. Benjamin Disraeli The man who removes a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.  William Faulkner Life’s Tragedy is that we get old too soon and wise too late.  Benjamin Franklin Yesterday is but today’s memory, and tomorrow is today’s dream.  Khalil Gibran The simplest questions are the hardest to answer.  Northrop Frye Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind.  Rudyard Kipling

Early to bed, early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise. A good beginning makes a great ending. A rolling stone gathers no moss. As you sow, so shall you reap. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. He, who opens a school door, closes a prison.  Give a man a fish and he eats for one night;t each him how and he eats for life. Give him an inch and he'll take a mile. Give him enough rope and he'll hang himself. The pen is mightier than sword.

What are some aphorisms found in THE ALCHEMIST? In your own words, write 2-3 aphorisms that you feel Paulo Coelho is attempting to convey through Santiago’s journey. These can be aphorisms already spoken in The Alchemist, or ones that you make up. Choice is yours.

Life is full of adventures and opportunities; it is up to you to find yours. Don’t forget about the drops of oil. Trusting others can be the biggest risk of all. Always remember your Personal Legend. Lay your heavy burden on my shoulders so that I may grow stronger. We must move forward and never settle. An hour journey can take a year. Unexpected consequences can come with your dreams. You can plan a pretty picnic, but you can’t predict the weather. The closer one gets to realizing his Personal Legend, the more that Personal Legend becomes his true reason for being.

You can’t find your destiny; your destiny has to find you. The secret of happiness is to see all the marvels in the world. Sometimes it’s better to leave things as they are… and say nothing. The journey of a thousand miles begins within a single step. The destination is a certainty, but the path taken is not. When you really want something, the universe conspires in your favor. If something bad happens, it’s up to you be the victim or the warrior. You cannot trust a man if you don’t know his house. The path may have a wall and a way, but if you’re smart enough, there’s always a ladder. When you play cards for the first time, you’re almost always certain to win (beginner’s luck). There is always a force that wants you to realize your personal legend. Break enough rocks and you’ll find a geode. When you make a decision, you are diving into a strong current that can take you into brand-new places.