Aphorism

“Aphorism (noun): A statement that succinctly frames a principle; a short, compelling observation of general truth. Adj. aphoristic; adv. aphoristically; n. aphorist; v. aphorize

‘In a section titled “The Art of Love,” she remarks, with aphoristic felicity, “In real love you want the other person’s good. In romantic love you want the other person.”’”

Excerpted from: Grambs, David. The Random House Dictionary for Writers and Readers. New York: Random House, 1990.