What quality of a statement tends to convey moral truths through concise phrases?

The quality of a statement that conveys moral truths through concise phrases is best described as an aphorism. Aphorisms are brief, memorable statements that express universal truths or principles, often with a philosophical or moral undertone. They encapsulate complex ideas in a succinct manner, making them easy to remember and reflect upon.

For instance, the saying "Actions speak louder than words" is an aphorism that succinctly communicates the idea that what one does is more significant than what one says. This characteristic of being concise and impactful is what distinguishes aphorisms from other literary elements.

Other choices like anecdote and analogy serve different purposes. An anecdote is a short, personal story that illustrates a point or theme but is not necessarily focused on moral truths. An analogy makes a comparison between two different things to highlight similarities, which can help explain an idea but does not inherently convey moral truths in a concise way. Alterity, relating to the concept of 'otherness,' does not apply in this context either, as it is more about differences and identity rather than conveying moral truths.