maxim

From the Latin "maximus," the superlative of "magnus" or large, maxim means, according to Webster, a general truth, a fundamental principle, a rule of conduct, or a saying of proverbial nature.  In essence, a maxim is the rule we live by.

According to Goethe:

"A collection of anecdotes and maxims is the greatest of treasures for the man of the world, for he knows how to intersperse conversation with the former in fit places, and to recollect the latter on proper occasions"
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe quotes (German playwright, poet, novelist and dramatist. 1749-1832)
About: Anecdotes quotes, Maxim quotes.
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Thus, maxims are worthwhile words of wisdom.  A maxim can be taken as gospel whenever we consider the source is reliable and wise.

According to Colton:

"When in reading we meet with any maxim that may be of use, we should take it for our own, and make an immediate application of it, as we would of the advice of a friend whom we have purposely consulted"
Charles Caleb Colton quotes (English sportsman and writer, 1780-1832)
About: Advice quotes, Reading quotes, Friends quotes, Maxim quotes.
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But a maxim must become personal, a rule we have selected.  A maxim cannot be imposed upon us since a maxim by nature is a freely chosen principle.

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