James Geary: The World in a Phrase — A Night of Aphorisms

Overview

Life is short, art long. Necessity is the mother of invention. The difference between a rut and a grave is the depth. Aphorisms are literature’s hand luggage. Light and compact, they contain everything you need to get through a rough day at the office or a dark night of the soul.

James Geary, bestselling author of The World in a Phrase: A Brief History of the Aphorism, stops by for a lively, interactive evening exploring one of literature’s oldest and most enduring art forms. From the sayings of Confucius and Nietzsche to Oscar Wilde, Jenny Holzer, and the age of memes, Geary traces the history of the aphorism across centuries and cultures, revealing how these deceptively simple phrases continue to shape the way we think, write, and see the world.

Drawing on his research into the delicate clockwork of the art form, Geary unpacks what makes a great aphorism endure — and why, in an era of endless scrolling and shrinking attention spans, the perfectly crafted sentence may be more powerful than ever. Along the way, he’ll invite audiences to think, laugh, and even participate, making this an evening that’s as playful as it is profound.

Life may be short, but an aphorism is even shorter. Whether you’re a devoted reader, an aspiring writer, or simply someone who loves the magic of language, this conversation offers fresh insight into the remarkable power of a few well-chosen words. Come prepared to leave with a head full of unforgettable lines, and perhaps even compose a few of your own. Don’t miss out: life may be short, but an aphorism is even shorter.