Original Sayings - For Lovers of Inspirational Quotes, Wit & Wisdom
Every once in a while someone will bring to my attention that a saying of mine, also known as an aphorism, has gone "viral" and somehow captured the popular imagination, online.
Even though I've been writing in this time-honored form since I was a teenager, over 20 years ago, it's only now in the Age of Twitter (and shortened attention spans) that they've really begun to gain traction.
Growing up in Egypt, I was surrounded by a love of language, where it was not uncommon to speak in proverbs. Both my maternal and paternal grandmothers, for example, spoke almost almost exclusively, at times, in sing-songy, witty-wise remarks. It came as no surprise when I began to write them.
It's always interesting for me to see which ones of these personal reflections resonate with strangers, and why. Below, is a mixed selection of some of my quotes that I hope you appreciate:
"Do you know what an aphorism is? It’s not exactly a Haiku, a proverb, an axiom, nor a poem, yet it harnesses the power of all these. Aphorisms are an ancient form, but its current-day master is Yahia Lababidi."
—Richard Blanco, Barack Obama's inaugural poet
“Lababidi is an aphorist of the spirit. His aphorisms could form a new gnostic religion, and I could dwell a long while inside them. Yahia Lababidi may be our greatest living aphorist.”
—Sharon Dolin, poet
'Lababidi writes as a man possessed with both the sayable and unsayable, as a poet “in search of that which is in search of him," as one of his mystical predecessors, Rūmī'
—Chard deNiord, Poet Laureate
"I find myself pausing everywhere among these wisdoms, wondering why the world stumbles and staggers through such a dark and greedy time when there are people alive with such keen, caring insight. . . If Yahia Samir Lababidi were in charge of a country, I would want to live there."
—Naomi Shihab Nye, poet
If you enjoyed these short meditations, here's a video reading from my forthcoming book of aphorisms, Where Epics Fail (Unbound/Penguin Random House, 2018)
You had me at the very first one.....I chose it to be my favorite because it struck my spirit and twirled me and lifted me off my feet like a passionate tango partner...And then I read on and on....I can not make a choice I love them all. It's the same as if someone asked me which of my children do I love the most. I would not, could not even entertain the question.
I was wondering when and how I would begin the activities of the new international community tribe. TribeGlobalLove I am building here on Steemit and Discord. You just opened the door with this article. I will begin, on my blog with curation and this will be my Post/Blog of the Week. This post will be awarded $10 SBD. Thank You for being awesome. @yahialababidi. This curation will also serve as a forerunner to the interview which I would like to schedule sometimes during the first weekend in January 2018. I will contact you soon.
"I would not, could not even entertain the question". I like that response to the question about which of our kids we love most.
Wow, you just made my day, @rensoul17, again! Delighted that this will be your Post/Blog of the Week for your very intriguing TribeGlobalLove. Much as I enjoy writing poetry and prose, aphorisms are closest to my heart (and have been, since I began writing them in my late teens). It's funny that you liken them to being asked which of your children you love the most since this, too, is how I feel about these brief arts. I look forward to hearing more from you regarding the interview, and send much appreciation your way!
Yes, It is also how I feel about my body of work, I gave birth to it and my poems and prose feel like my children. The post is up on my blog and the 10 SBD has been transferred to you. Please keep giving us more of your energy of art that feels like an experience of a timeless adventure in the infinite realm of life.
"...in the infinite realm of life". Hmmm epic.
Bless your heart. Our Art is the children we give birth to which, in turn, give us gives birth to us and rewrites our souls. Many thanks, dear friend, for your recognition and support. It encourages me to do more and better, here.
Hi @yahialababidi nice to know you and connect with you here. I look forward to find your books and read them. I love poetry and thoughtful inspirational quotes too :)
Ah, it’s very good to hear back from you @Nuridin; thanks, for your encouraging message! It would be helpful if you pre-order my new book, here, directly from publishers: https://unbound.com/books/where-epics-fail/
As a token of appreciation for your pledge, your name will be featured in the hardcover edition & you are welcome to use this shipping discount code: yahia
I was particularly interested to read about how you seek to incorporate ethics in helping others lead a balanced life & wish you every success, brother, with your noble work 🙏🏼
Blessings, Yahia
Thank you @yahialababidi for your generous gesture. I'll check the link and get the book. Much appreciated.
kattar kheirak :)
You have very wise grandmothers.... Thanks for sharing this.
They certainly were colorful characters, and taught me much about life! Glad you appreciated it & hope my words will continue to keep you good company :)
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"The personal made universal is art's truth" thank you for sharing these wonderful gems..
Thanks, @talea.monet for your kind appreciation. It's been my experience that the more intimate the art, the more likely it is to connect with strangers :)
Speaking of which, you might also appreciate these excerpts from my 1st book of aphorisms, "Signposts to Elsewhere" (the bulk of which was composed between the ages of 19-21):
Happy New Year!
https://steemit.com/poetry/@thinkhappy/the-breath-of-life
The Breath of Life short poetry writting
i love to read you content i love poetry and i love to read reflective thinking, @yahialababidi Thanks for sharing
Happy to hear it, @uzair1214 and hope you will continue to enjoy reading what I post :) Cheers!