1,237 Quotes by Ambrose Bierce

Abscond – to move in a mysterious way, commonly with the property of another.

A statesman who shakes the fruit trees of his neighbors – to dislodge the worms.

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

OLD, adj. In that stage of usefulness which is not inconsistent with general inefficiency, as an “old man”. Discredited by lapse of time and offensive to the popular taste, as an “old” book.

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.

Destiny: A tyrant’s authority for crime and a fool’s excuse for failure.

Insurrection. An unsuccessful revolution; disaffection’s failure to substitute misrule for bad government.

That part of your friend which it is your privilege to contemplate in your adversity.

Monsieur Franqulin, inventor of electricity. This illustrious savant, after having made several voyages around the world, died on the Sandwich Islands and was devoured by savages, of whom not a single fragment was ever recovered.