An aphorism is a statement of truth condensed into few words that express much. "Concise, clever, often paradoxical," says Webster's Dictionary . In the ancient world, the first aphorisms were inscriptions in verse, carved into the stone of tombs, statues, temples, and triumphal arches. With the advent of paper, they evolved into brief morsels of insight, often witty or satirical.
The Quotable Stoic is a new distillation of wisdom in the classic tradition of Mark Twain, H. L. Mencken, Epictetus, Samuel Johnson, and la Rochefoucauld. If you love aphorisms, you'll be delighted by the original mind reflected here. If you enjoy seeing things from a different angle and like to examine life s larger questions, then this is the perfect book for you.
The aphorisms are sectioned into the traditional categories and presented in a meaningful array. We begin with MANNERS because one is nothing without them. An ATTITUDE section is included because in these times one tries to be a Positive Person and to avoid Negativity. The ATTITUDE section may be somewhat contradicted by other sections, but then, "A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds...." One does not read a book of aphorisms like a novel; one quite properly skips around in it. Most readers will begin with HEALTH, then LOVE and WEALTH. FRIENDSHIP and CULTURE will also draw attention. Some may foolishly forgo the invaluable lessons in MANNERS, WISDOM, and VANITY. Those who choose to skip MORTALITY will be forgiven.
I was a goodreads first reads winner of this book."the Quotable Stoic" by Michael Lipsey, is a book of original aphorisms. Mr. Lipsey shares his opinions on everyday life in the matter of short ahprisms. he rights his feelings on many subjects such as wisdom, manners, friendship,faith,Love, truth, wealth to name just a few. Mr. Lipsey wrote, some that make you think. some i agree with some i found funny. but the whole book is a great one to read. I had a nice time reading through this well done book. some of his takes on life made me want to frame them on my wall for all to see. it got me ?thinking " what would my aphorisms be?' this is a very quick read. but a fun and enjoyable one to read. if you like reading books with quotes, thoughts of the day, you may enjoy reading this book by Michael Lipsey.
You would expect a book of aphorisms to be a selection of gems from many authors. This is interesting because it is a compilation of the thoughts of one person. It's the type of book one wouldn't normally read from cover to cover. I did. My favorite is as follows, "You may be a bourgeois, but can you spell it?" That just made me laugh, but other gems are more thought provoking. I have a feeling this book may grow on me so I'll give it four stars.
A very interesting collection of philisophical thoughts. Some are witty, others thought provoking and many bring a smile to the readers eyes. The book is organized well by general topics and there is an index included. There is wisdom in this easy to read book and it was a most enjoyable diversion.