A paradox is a statement that may seem contradictory but can be true (or at least make sense). This makes them stand out and play an important role in literature and everyday life. Beyond that, they can simply be entertaining brain teasers
Take the statement "Less is more." This statement uses two opposites to contradict one another. How can less be more? The concept is that something less complicated is often more appreciated. Let's talk a little bit more about this rhetorical device and enjoy a handful of examples of paradox
General Paradoxes
Ready to flex your mental muscles? Some of these statements may make you pause and think. Here are some thought-provoking paradox examples
Save money by spending it
If I know one thing, it's that I know nothing
This is the beginning of the end
Deep down, you're really shallow
I'm a compulsive liar
"Men work together whether they work together or apart." - Robert Frost
"What a pity that youth must be wasted on the young." - George Bernard Shaw
"I can resist anything but temptation." - Oscar Wilde
A paradox can be thought-provoking but they're also fun to consider. Here are some paradoxes with a witty bent
Here are the rules: Ignore all rules
The second sentence is false. The first sentence is true
I only message those who do not message
Paradoxes in Literature
Hamlet by William Shakespeare
In William Shakespeare's Hamlet, the title character states, "I must be cruel to be kind." On the surface, once again, this statement doesn't seem to make much sense. How can an individual convey kindness through cruelty?
In this case, Hamlet is speaking about how he plans to slay Claudius in order to avenge his father's death. His mother is now married to Claudius, so, of course, this will be a tragedy for her. However, he does not want his mother to be the lover of his father's murderer (unbeknownst to her) any longer. He believes the murder will be for her own good
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