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Evaluating literary texts
ENLIT-I-2 Analyze the maxims, universal truths, and philosophies
presented in the literary text as a means of valuing other people and
their various circumstances in life.
• Prepared by: Mr. Sandy N.
Navergas
Understanding the meaning and
message given: maxims, general
truths, and philosophies convey.
Objective:
a. Identify the meaning and message the given maxims,
general truths, and philosophies convey.
b. Relate the identified message of the maxims, general
truths, and philosophies to real-life situations.
Activity 1 A: You
Complete Me!
Directions: Complete the following statements.
1. Kung ano ang itinanim,
______________________________________________.
2. Ang tunay na kaibigan, hindi nang-iiwan sa oras
ng___________________.
3. Ang ayaw mong gawin sa iyo
_________________________________________.
4. Habang may buhay,
Maxims, Universal Truths,
and Philosophies
1. MAXIM — “A GOOD RULE OR ADVICE”
A maxim is a short sentence that gives us advice about how we should
behave.
Think of it as a little rule for life.
Example:
“Be kind to others.”
Why is this a maxim?
Because it tells us what we should do: be kind.
Another example:
“Do your best.”
It gives advice to children. It tells them how they should act.
Easy question to ask:
“Does the sentence tell us what we should do?”
If YES → it may be a maxim.
👉 MAXIM = ADVICE / RULE FOR GOOD BEHAVIOR
Examples
•“Help people in need.” → teaches
kindness.
•“Always be honest.” → teaches
good moral behavior.
•“Treat others with respect.” →
teaches proper behavior.
•“Think before you speak.” → gives
good advice.
Maxims often reflect cultural values and
provide practical advice or guidance
about life and behavior.
GENERAL TRUTH — “SOMETHING THAT IS TRUE”
A general truth is a statement that tells us something that is generally true.
It is not someone's personal opinion.
Example:
“Plants need water to grow.”
This is a general truth because plants generally need water to grow.
Another example:
“The sun gives us light.”
This is something that is true, not advice.
Easy question to ask:
“Is the sentence telling us something that is true?”
If YES → it may be a general truth.
More examples:
•“Birds have feathers.”
•“Fish live in water.”
•“Fire is hot.”
•“Children need food to grow.”
👉 GENERAL TRUTH = SOMETHING THAT IS TRUE
Universal truths help us understand
that people everywhere can have
similar feelings, experiences, and
problems, even if they live in different
places or times.
PHILOSOPHY — “AN IDEA ABOUT LIFE”.
A philosophy is an idea or belief about life, people, or how we should live.
It asks questions like:
•What makes a person good?
•What is important in life?
•How should we treat other people?
•What makes us happy?
Example:
“A happy life is a life shared with others.”
This is a philosophy because it expresses an idea about what makes life happy.
Another example:
“Helping others makes life meaningful.”
This is not simply a fact. It is an idea about what makes life meaningful.
Easy question to ask:
“Is the sentence giving an idea about life or how people should live?”
If YES → it may be a philosophy.
👉 PHILOSOPHY = IDEA OR BELIEF ABOUT LIFE
Term Meaning Example
Maxim
A short statement that
gives advice or a rule
for good behavior.
“Think before you
speak.”
Philosophy
A person’s or group’s
belief or way of
thinking about life and
how it should be lived.
“Life is about learning
from every
experience.”
General Truth
A statement that
expresses something
that is generally or
commonly true.
“Hard work often leads
to better results.”
Easy way to remember:
•Maxim = Advice → tells you what to do.
•Philosophy = Belief → tells you how someone views life.
•General Truth = Observation → tells you something that is usually true.
Example using one idea: Success
•Maxim: “Work hard and never give up.” → Advice
•Philosophy: “Success is more about growth than
winning.” → Belief
•General Truth: “Successful people often face
challenges before reaching their goals.” →
Observation
•Be gentle when playing with younger children.
•People feel happy when they receive love.
•A good life means caring for the people around us.
•Put away your things after using them.
•Everyone can feel lonely sometimes.
•Help someone who falls down.
•People learn new things as they grow.
•Life is more meaningful when we share it with others.
•Keep your voice quiet when someone is reading.
•Good choices can help us become better people.
Maxim, General Truth, or Philosophy?
Direction: Read each statement carefully. Write MAXIM, GENERAL
TRUTH, or PHILOSOPHY.
1.A person should forgive others who sincerely apologize.
2.The moon travels around the Earth.
3.True happiness does not always come from having many things.
4.We should listen before judging someone.
5.All living things need energy to survive.
6.A meaningful life is built through love and kindness.
7.Never give up when something becomes difficult.
8.Plants use sunlight to make their own food.
9.People become wiser when they learn from their mistakes.
10.Treat everyone fairly, even when they are different from you.
Generalizations:
Directions: Complete the following statements.
1. Maxims, general truths, and philosophies teach us
_______________________.
2. Thinking about maxims and their meanings can help us
make better decisions
__________________________________________________________________
END of
PART 1