I literally just heard someone say ‘nothing ventured, nothing gained’. Yawn. How many people that say these things, actually take action. I wonder. 

How many times have you been told to ‘just think positive’ or ‘look for small wins’?

These sayings used to be endearing and useful because they were said by your nan, your mother or a well travelled neighbour. Now they are said because people haven’t got the attention span to deep dive the subject. 

Many platitudes are from the bible. Commonly these are rooted in applicability, for example ‘Reap what you sow’ both a literal and metaphorical statement that is both useful and truthful. 

The secular ones are often adapted for simplicity. Less applicability, but it makes people feel wise when they say them. 

Aphorisms offer a similar feeling, although I’m fond of them. They have a more philosophical air to them. ‘If it ain’t broke don’t fix it’ is a classic. But with huge applicability. You could apply it to things, relationships, clothing, jobs etc etc. Why replace something if it still works. It reminds me of the word obsolescence. The authors of many aphorism used things until end of life. 

I’m in danger of now talking about idioms. Maybe these are the cause of the platitude problem. ‘Made it by the skin of my teeth’ has no applicability and literally means you failed. However, popular interpretation means you ‘just made it’.

The internet remains fertile ground for platitudes, aphorisms and idioms and that won’t change. The good news is ‘tomorrow is another day’ and ‘everything happens for a reason’ yeah right.