Paradox
Pattern
Apparently impossible statement that is logically true
Definition
A statement that appears self-contradictory but reveals a deeper truth upon reflection.
Examples
Example 1
I can resist everything except temptation.
Oscar Wilde, Lady Windermere's Fan
The statement contradicts itself on the surface but reveals a truth about human weakness
Example 2
The more you learn, the more you realize how little you know.
Attributed to Socrates
A classic epistemological paradox — knowledge expands awareness of ignorance
Example 3
If you want peace, prepare for war.
Vegetius, De Re Militari (paraphrased)
The seeming contradiction resolves when military readiness is understood as a deterrent
AI Detection Note
AI can reproduce famous paradoxes but struggles to generate original ones. AI paradoxes tend to be surface-level contradictions that don't resolve into genuine insight upon reflection.
See how your writing uses this figure
Analyze Your Text