Ben Franklin and Robert Fulghum use aphorisms in their writing.

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The ABC's of Aphorisms in Kindergarten

An aphorism is a short statement expressing a truth or clever observation. Benjamin Franklin and Robert Fulghum both used aphorisms in things they have written. Ben Franklin's "Poor Richard's Almanac" uses aphorisms in a more literal way. However, Robert Fulghum uses his aphorisms in a more metaphorical way. Although the two are different, both writers have the same type of ideas on how to morally live your life.

Living a balanced life is an aphorism used by Franklin and Fulghum. Although used in different context and in a slightly different way, they mean the same thing no matter who uses it. In Fulghum's aphorism he says, "Live a balanced life. Learn some and think some and paint and draw and sing and dance and play and work everyday some." Being simpler in his words yet not in his meaning makes this an interesting aphorism.

Also being a little more direct and straight to the point are Franklin's words, "Eat to live and not live to eat." In spite of the fact that Franklin's definition may seem simpler, they are in fact saying the same thing only wording it differently. Both aphorisms mean that one must balance themselves and that you must do everything in moderation and never to excess. Taking a slightly different approach, both men got there message across in an clear and precise manner.

A metaphor can be described as a figure of speech in which an expression is used to refer to something that it does not literally denote in order to suggest a similarity. On the contrary, a literary term is one that can be described as very clear and one that expresses emphasis on a topic. Robert Fulghum being a more metaphorical writer, wrote his aphorisms in such a...