Exploring the concept of oxymorons, this book delves into self-contradictory statements that challenge perceptions of truth and logic. It invites readers to examine how these seemingly paradoxical expressions can reveal deeper insights about life and human experience. Through a blend of wit and wisdom, the narrative uncovers the profound truths hidden within contradictions, encouraging a nuanced understanding of language and meaning.
The book explores the limitations of a singular approach to problem-solving, emphasizing the importance of diverse perspectives and tools in addressing challenges. It encourages readers to expand their thinking and adopt a more versatile mindset, illustrating how reliance on a single strategy can hinder effective solutions. Through various examples, it highlights the value of creativity and adaptability in overcoming obstacles in both personal and professional contexts.
Chiasmus, a literary device that reverses word order for effect, is explored through the works of notable figures like Mae West and John F. Kennedy. This collection by Dr. Mardy Grothe features hundreds of examples, showcasing how chiasmus can be both humorous and poignant. The book aims to elevate this often-overlooked device, making it accessible and engaging for readers through whimsical illustrations and insightful commentary. It invites readers to appreciate the cleverness and depth of language in everyday expressions.
The murals in restaurants are on a par with the food in museums. America is an
enormous frosted cupcake in the middle of millions of starving people. Critics
are like pigs at the pastry cart. Describing something by relating it to
another thing is the essence of metaphorical thought.
"Never let 'em see you sweat." "Never change diapers in mid-stream." "Never let a crisis go to waste." "Never ruin an apology with an excuse." "Never go to a doctor whose office plants have died." When we strongly encourage people to do something, it's called an exhortation. But what is the proper term for strongly discouraging people? One candidate is admonition. Another is dehortation, the opposite of exhortation. But perhaps the best term for an emphatic piece of dissuasive advice is neverism. You won't find the term in any dictionary (at least not yet) because quotation anthologist Dr. Mardy Grothe coined it himself for this collection of nearly two thousand quotable cautionary warnings. With the whimsical and witty intermixed with the serious and profound, contributors range from Aesop and Marcus Aurelius to John Wayne and Mae West. Grothe also tells the fascinating "back stories" of scores of classic quotations as well as the history of hundreds more that have never before appeared in a quotation anthology. Organized by topics such as Wit & Wordplay, Politics & Government, Sports, Stage & Screen, and The Literary Life, this is a book about quotations as well as a book of them. Neverisms is sure to delight quotation lovers and language aficionados everywhere.
ox-y-mor-on-i-ca (OK-se-mor-ON-uh-ca) noun, plural: Any variety of tantalizing, self-contradictory statements or observations that on the surface appear false or illogical, but at a deeper level are true, often profoundly true. See also oxymoron, paradox. examples: "Melancholy is the pleasure of being sad." Victor Hugo "To lead the people, walk behind them." Lao-tzu "You'd be surprised how much it costs to look this cheap." Dolly Parton You won't find the word "oxymoronica" in any dictionary (at least not yet) because Dr. Mardy Grothe introduces it to readers in this delightful collection of 1,400 of the most provocative quotations of all time. From ancient thinkers like Confucius, Aristotle, and Saint Augustine to great writers like Shakespeare, Oscar Wilde, and G. B. Shaw to modern social observers like Woody Allen and Lily Tomlin, Oxymoronica celebrates the power and beauty of paradoxical thinking. All areas of human activity are explored, including love, sex and romance, politics, the arts, the literary life, and, of course, marriage and family life. The wise and witty observations in this book are as highly entertaining as they are intellectually nourishing and are sure to grab the attention of language lovers everywhere.
