This anthology demonstrates just how rewarding an art-form the aphorism can be, and just how brilliantly the aphorist can reveal the hidden truths or ironies of existence. Containing the wit and wisdom of such writers and philosophers as Marcus Aurelius, La Rochefoucauld, Dr Johnson, Oscar Wilde, Bertrand Russell, and Virginia Woolf, the collection considers the most important human emotions and endeavours, from folly and fame to desire and death. But as the inclusion of a wide variety of statesmen, scientists, boulevardiers, Olympians, and gadflies proves, such luminaries are not alone in the coining of memorable maxims. This book is intended for readers of anthologies, quotations books. Gift book market.