1,237 Quotes by Ambrose Bierce

IMPALE, v.t. In popular usage, to pierce with any weapon which remains fixed in the wound . . . . properly, to put to death by thrusting an upright sharp stake into the body, the victim being left in a sitting position.

RESPITE, n. A suspension of hostilities against a sentenced assassin, to enable the Executive to determine whether the murder may not have been done by the prosecuting attorney. Any break in the continuity of a disagreeable expectation.

Enthusiasm - a distemper of youth, curable by small doses of repentance in connection with outward applications of experience.

CAVILER, n. A critic of our own work.

Fashion, n. A despot whom the wise ridicule and obey.

All are lunatics, but he who can analyze his delusions is called a philosopher.

SERIAL, n. A literary work, usually a story that is not true, creeping through several issues of a newspaper or magazine.

CONGRESS, n. A body of men who meet to repeal laws.

Perseverance - a lowly virtue whereby mediocrity achieves an inglorious success.