Yogism

A 'yogism' refers to a witty, often nonsensical, or paradoxical statement or aphorism typically associated with Yogi Berra, the famed baseball player and manager. These pronouncements are characterized by their seemingly simple language, yet often contain a surprising amount of truth, or at least, provoke thought. They are frequently humorous because they can be interpreted in multiple ways, playing on ambiguity and common sense. The essence of a yogism lies in its inherent contradiction or its ability to expose a truth in a roundabout, unexpected manner, making the speaker appear both profound and slightly absurd. It's a specific type of folksy wisdom, a verbal quirk often attributed to Berra's unique way of expressing himself, contributing to his lasting legacy beyond the baseball field. It is important to note, that it is not limited to Berra, anyone can speak in yogisms.

Yogism meaning with examples

• During a post-game interview, a reporter asked about the upcoming playoff game: 'It ain't over till it's over,' Berra replied, perfectly encapsulating the unpredictable nature of sports. This yogism, with its circular logic, highlights the truth of persistence and never giving up, regardless of the odds.
• Asked about a restaurant's popularity: 'Nobody goes there anymore. It's too crowded,' Yogi quipped, revealing the paradox of a crowded place that no one goes to. This is a clear yogism because it's contradictory while simultaneously making sense about crowds and popularity.
• Reflecting on life's challenges, Berra is quoted as saying: 'When you come to a fork in the road, take it.' This advice, although seemingly obvious, promotes taking action and exploring new paths. The simplicity is where the profundity lies, in that the answer is a clever riddle.
• Discussing the need for constant improvement, Berra offered: 'Always go to other people's funerals; otherwise they won't go to yours.' This yogism encourages you to celebrate others as you want to be celebrated. This yogism has deeper meaning as we often miss the true value of relationships.
• On the challenges of predicting the future, Berra wisely stated: 'I never make predictions, especially about the future.' This self-referential statement perfectly encapsulates the inherent uncertainty of predicting the future while amusingly preventing such.