Oxymoronica: Paradoxical Wit and Wisdom from History's Greatest Wordsmiths - Paperback

by Mardy Grothe (Author)

A must-have for language lovers, this compendium contains hundreds of mind-stretching observations that are contradictory or illogical on one level, yet true, witty, and often profound on another.

ox-y-mor-on-i-ca (OK-se-mor-ON-uh-ca) noun: Any variety of tantalizing, self-contradictory statements or observations that on the surface appear false or illogical, but at a deeper level are profoundly true.

For example:

"Melancholy is the pleasure of being sad."
--Victor Hugo

"To lead the people, walk behind them."
--Lao-tzu

"You'd be surprised how much it costs to look this cheap."
--Dolly Parton

For over a decade Dr. Mardy Grothe has delighted readers with this collection of 1,400 of the most provocative quotations of all time. From ancient thinkers like Confucius, Aristotle and Saint Augustine, to great writers like Shakespeare, Oscar Wilde and G. B. Shaw, to modern social observers like Woody Allen and Lily Tomlin, Oxymoronica celebrates the power and beauty of paradoxical thinking. All areas of human activity are explored, including love, sex, romance, politics, the arts, marriage and family, and, of course, the literary life. Sure to grab the attention of language lovers everywhere, the wise and witty observations in this book are as entertaining as they are intellectually nourishing.

Front Jacket

ox-y-mor-on-i-ca (OK-see-mor-ON-uh-kuh) noun: Any variety of self-contradictory statements or observations that on the surface appear false or illogical, but at a deeper level are profoundly true.

For more than a decade Dr. Mardy Grothe has delighted readers with this collection of 1,500 of the most provocative quotations of all time. From ancient thinkers and great writers to modern social observers, Oxymoronica celebrates the power and beauty of paradoxical thinking.

In this new and updated edition, Dr. Mardy has added 130 classic and unforgettable turns of phrase, bringing the joy of oxymoronica to new audiences. Exploring all facets of life, the wise and witty observations in this book are sure to inspire readers, writers, and language lovers everywhere.