1,237 Quotes by Ambrose Bierce

International arbitration may be defined as the substitution of many burning questions for a smoldering one

Genealogy, n. An account of one's descent from a man who did not particularly care to trace his own.

REPLICA, n. A reproduction of a work of art, by the artist that made the original. It is so called to distinguish it from a "copy," which is made by another artist. When the two are mae with equal skill the replica is the more valuable, for it is suppose

DELEGATION, n. In American politics, an article of merchandise that comes in sets.

Doubt begins only at the last frontiers of what is possible.

MONAD, n. The ultimate, indivisible unit of matter (see Molecule). The monad has body without bulk, and mind without manifestation - containing all the powers and possibilities needful to his evolution into a German philosopher . .

ARENA, n. In politics, an imaginary rat-pit in which the statesman wrestles with his record.

Consul - in American politics, a person who having failed to secure an office from the people is given one by the Administration on condition that he leave the country.

RIGHTEOUSNESS, n. A sturdy virtue that was once found among the Pantidoodles inhabiting the lower part of the peninsula of Oque. Some feeble attempts were made by returned missionaries to introduce it into several European countries . .