paradox.

paradox, as defined in buzzle.com, is a statement, which at first glance, appears to be false, but on further reading, it seems to contain an element of truth.  they say that paradox is an important ingredient of poetry and literature.

i sometimes equate paradoxes to tasteful sarcasm.  those, when used, sound very witty!  i’ve looked up the net for most common and interesting paradoxes there are:

• i must be cruel to be kind. – william shakespeare (hamlet)
• what a pity that youth must be wasted on the young – george bernard shaw
• this is the beginning of an end.
• please ignore the notice.
• deep down, he is really shallow.

 we may not be aware but paradoxes are fairly common even in our vernacular.  i wonder if it is the same as our “salawikain” or “kasabihan?”  either way, paradoxes truly make our literature colourful, flowery and more interesting.  the incessant play of words tickle the fancy of those hearing it.