For centuries, aphorisms were the province of the aristocracy. But no more: for the first time, Adage Infinitum is offering our bespoke aphorisms service to the general public. Now, everyone can have the perfect bon mot at the perfect time.

Not all aphorisms are created equal. You want the best: attention to detail, traditional methods, and innovative techniques that bring aphorism-manufacturing into the 21st century. Our founder was the unofficial aphorist to the Elizabethan court, and Adage Infinitum has been the most trusted name in aphorism construction for five centuries.

Today, our clients include motivational speakers, Instagram influencers, eulogists, and game show contestants. Everyone can use a bespoke aphorism!

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History

Our ancestor, Algernon Willoughby, proprietor of Ye Olde Saw Mill, was the official woodcutter to the Elizabethan Court. One day, as the Queen surveyed her subjects, she stumbled. The pages and squires gasped. In this literally pedestrian moment, Willoughby mustered all of his courage and proclaimed, in his most dulcet voice, “one wayward footfall doth not thine station change.”  Face saved, grace restored, the Queen looked gratefully upon our forefather, nodded silently, and continued on her way.

In the days that followed, many in the court asked Algernon to pen custom sayings that could be summoned in response to any of the Queen’s foibles. Ye Olde Saw Mill stopped producing wood and started producing aphorisms, saving many an impertinent subject from beheading. This family business has been passed down through generations, and now, with the help of cutting-edge technologies, and under a new name, Adage Infinitum is bringing aphorism-writing into the 21st Century.

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Testimonials

I was a motivational speaker, but I couldn’t even motivate myself. I didn’t want to get out of bed in the morning, but then I bought a Bespoke Aphorism™ and I realized “eleven dogs is eleven dogs too many.” The very next week, I got out of bed and went to work. —James S.

I’m a campaign manager. I was working with a candidate for city ombudsman, great candidate but zero people skills, no one liked him. But Adage Infinitum came to the rescue! We bought a dozen custom aphorisms, one for each plank in his platform — a popular one was “lux vincit omnia, sed non burocratica instantia non est lumen” — and after that, his approval ratings skyrocketed. We almost won the election! —Clarissa D.

For my dad’s 50th birthday, I wanted something special: a vanity license plate that really captured his personality. I’m so glad I called Bespoke Aphorisms. They came up with “SW1M UP” and that fits my dad to a tee! Now when he drives around town, everyone can see what a cool guy my dad is. —Simon A.-C.

My cocktail parties were duller than a spatula! The beau monde stopped coming — I was about as popular as a fish at the opera! Then, I started working with Adage Infinitum and my parties bloomed like wildfire! For every party, I start with an aphorism, like “a car is not just a carburetor,” as the theme, and from there I pick the color scheme (metallics), suggested dress (chrome and rubber) and even signature cocktails (sidecars!). Now, my cocktail parties are the talk of the town! —Penelope L.

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What We Offer

We provide aphorisms of all descriptions, from the trenchant to the à propos. For your convenience, we have divided our offerings into four main categories. Some examples:

Terms and Conditions

  • Our aphorisms are bespoke. We can construct aphorisms for any purpose, if you tell us what they will be used for. 
  • For maximal satisfaction, be specific about the type of aphorism you require. There will be no returns or exchanges.
  • We will airmail you one (1) aphorism on 6” x 6” acid-free paper, hand-lettered by a trained aphorism artisan, using archival ink in a color of your choice.
  • Due to overwhelming demand, we are conducting a global search for a specialist in croquet aphorisms. Check back with us in three months for all your croquet aphorism needs.
  • Orders will be filled within 7 days. Express 24-hour service is available for an additional fee. Contact us to begin the consultation process.
  • Free shipping!
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Contact Us