I love aphorisms and last summer I shared some with you. It was fun to do, so I thought I’d do it again. For those of you who don’t know, aphorisms are a bit of accepted wisdom or observations recognized by the general population as being true. The previous examples were ones I grew up with; today I share more modern ones.

War doesn’t determine who’s right. War determines who’s left. The world would be a better place if its so-called leaders would get this through their thick skulls.

When everything’s coming your way—you’re in the wrong lane. Notice it says ‘coming’ not ‘going’. When everything’s going your way buy some champagne, grab your friends and celebrate.

Scratch a dog and you’ll find a permanent job. The same thing applies to every other animal including human.

The last three are my favorites; the first two are a clever nod to the digital world and the last, to my mind, says it all.

The E-mail of the species is more deadly than the mail. Just ask the USPS.

Home is where you hang your @ Well, I said they were clever.

Everyone is entitled to be stupid, but some abuse the privilege. No kidding. You can find 535 without even trying—435 in the House and another 100 in the Senate.

Flickr image credit: Luke Razzell

Do you know what an ‘aphorism’ is? It’s a bit of accepted wisdom or observations recognized by the general population as being true. A friend sent me a list of aphorisms I grew up with—oldies but goodies (like me) and still true. I’ll share more oldies, along with more currents ones in the months to come. I’ve added explanations to the more obscure ones, but feel free to ask if you don’t get it.

A lick and a promise (a quick fix with a promise to come back and do the job right later)—sounds like a lot of software releases.

One bad apple spoils the whole barrel—apropos to managers who ignore the team member who is tearing the group apart.

Been through the mill (had a rough time)—a fairly accurate description of most entrepreneurs.

Scarce as hen’s teeth (hens don’t have teeth)—programmers in their twenties with 10 years of mobile experience.

Whatever floats your boat (or paddles your canoe)—an attitude opposite of the ‘my way or the highway’ so prevalent today.

Catawampus (out of place or crooked [I love saying catawampus, it makes me smile])—the condition of the stuff on most of our desks (definitely mine).

Stringing around or piddling (not doing anything of value)—worker action a day or two before and after holidays or vacation.

You ain’t the only duck in the pond (it’s not all about you)—there are almost as many variations as people who don’t believe it.

Flickr image credit: Denise Krebs