Maxims

Maxims

Understanding & Interpreting cultural sayings

Maxim - a short, pithy (very expressive) statement expressing a general truth or rule of conduct.

i.e. "actions speak louder than words"

Poll

Actions speak louder than words means...

• Talk is cheap if it is not backed up by actions

• Saying good things is fine, but doing good things is better

• Actions can have more of an impact than spoken words

Maxims, Sayings, Phrases

• Opportunity knocks but once.

• Don't put all your eggs in one basket.

• Admiration is the daughter of ignorance. Many receive advice; only the wise profit by it.

• The qualities we have do not make us so ridiculous as those we affect to have.

• The attempt, not the deed, confounds us. You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink.

• Age is like love, it cannot be hid.

Poll

When it comes to English maxims, I know...

• A good amount

• A few

• None

maxims often originate from various racial, religious, and cultural groups.

cultural (from Shakespeare) ex: "The attempt, not the deed, confounds us."

Example

• Maxim: If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.

• Interpretation: If you don't do something right the first time, don't give up; keep trying until you succeed.

• Example: If you didn't pass this week's math test, you should study hard all week and try to get a better grade next Friday.

Maxims, Sayings, Phrases

• Opportunity knocks but once.

• Don't put all your eggs in one basket.

• Admiration is the daughter of ignorance. Many receive advice; only the wise profit by it.

• The qualities we have do not make us so ridiculous as those we affect to have.

• The attempt, not the deed, confounds us. You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink.

• Age is like love, it cannot be hid.

Open Ended

Pick One and offer your interpretation and example

Opportunity knocks but once.

Don't put all your eggs in one basket.

Actions speak louder than words.

Admiration is the daughter of ignorance. Many receive advice; only the wise profit by it.

The qualities we have do not make us so ridiculous as those we affect to have.

The attempt, not the deed, confounds us.

You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink.

Each man's belief is right in his own eyes. Birds of a feather will gather together.

Age is like love, it cannot be hid.

I never saw a wild thing sorry for itself.

Well begun is half done. Every beginning is hard. It's an ill bird that fouls its own nest. If the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into a ditch. Character is destiny.