maximen

Maximen are concise statements that express a general truth or rule of conduct. The term exists in several languages; in English the plural is maxims, in German Maximen, and in French maximes. Its etymology traces to Latin maximus, meaning greatest, via Old French maxime, reflecting the idea of guiding principles. Maximen are typically short, memorable, and prescriptive, aiming to guide behavior or judgment. They differ from proverbs, which are communal sayings about daily life, and from aphorisms, which are concise observations often focused on truth rather than obligation.

Historically, maximen appear in a variety of philosophical and literary traditions. They are prominent in moral and political literature, such as La Rochefoucauld's Maximes (1665), a collection of concise observations on human nature and virtue. In the Spanish and Portuguese tradition, Baltasar Gracián's Oráculo manual y arte de prudencia contains numerous maxims on prudence. In German literature, the term Maximen has been used for anthologies of practical or ethical sayings. In philosophy more broadly, maxims have served as practical guidelines in ethical systems and in the rhetoric of civic life.

In contemporary usage, maximen continue to function as didactic tools, used in education, self-help, and leadership discourse. They can express universal ideals or situational advice, and are often cited for their clarity and memorability. A widely known example in German is the ethical guideline commonly phrased as "Was du nicht willst, das man dir tu, das füg auch keinem andern zu," illustrating the standard form of a practical maxim as a rule of conduct.

Maximen remain a versatile form for capturing practical wisdom and are related to aphorisms, proverbs, and mottos.