Richard Kostelanetz is interested in “radical constraint.” And the aphorism is the ideal form in which to put that interest into practice. Aphorisms are, by definition, short. But Kostelanetz takes concision to an extreme by restricting himself even further — to aphorisms consisting of just four (“quadrigraphs”), three, and two (“minimaxims”) words. Kierkegaard wrote, “The more restricted I am, the more creative I become.” That is certainly true of Richard Kostelanetz’s radically constrained aphorisms.

Four-word aphorisms

If uninvited, arrive late.

Anyone understood becomes predictable.

Three-word aphorisms

Eschew questionable explanations.

Pomposity precedes comeuppance.

Historians repeat themselves.

Leftovers attract vultures.

Publishing amplifies whatever.

Be seriously funny.

Write briefest classics.

Two-word aphorisms

desire desires

never generalize

sentences end

Scroll down on this page to read some of Richard Kostelanetz’s other four-word aphorisms.