What is the maximum?

The word maxima came to us from the Latin language, where the expression "propositio maxima" meant "the highest principle". What is the maximum?

First of all, the maxim is the rule of behavior according to which the person acts. Initially, the maxim was called the universal principle of behavior.

Today, a maxim is more often called a short sayingmoralizing, some kind of maxim. Maxima as a literary genre was very popular in the 17-18 centuries (Maxims and Reflections by Johann Goethe, Maxims and Moral Reflections by Francois de La Rochefoucauld). So, the word is synonymous with "aphorism". Here are some of Laroshfuko's maxims:

"If we had no shortcomings, it would not be so pleasant for us to notice them from our neighbors."
"Jealousy feeds on doubts, it dies or goes into a frenzy as soon as doubts turn into confidence."
"True love is like a ghost: everyone talks about it, but few have seen it."

Today the word "aphorism" is used more often, however, now you can flash with your knowledge.

Find out also the meanings of other words: