Maxim (noun)

1. A concise expression of a fundamental principle or general truth.
2. A general rule or guideline.

Origin:

Late 16th century (denoting a legal principle): from latin maxima (sententia) 'greatest (opinion)', from maximus 'greatest'. the current sense dates from the early 17th century.

Examples:

1. The company's mission statement was expressed as a series of well-known maxims, such as 'customer first' and 'innovation above all else'.
2. She lived her life by a set of simple maxims, including 'treat others as you would like to be treated' and 'never give up'.
3. The book was full of wise and inspiring maxims, aimed at helping people lead a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
4. Many of the world's great thinkers, from Confucius to Aristotle, are remembered for the maxims they left behind.
5. The maxim 'time is money' has been a guiding principle of capitalist societies for centuries.