1,237 Quotes by Ambrose Bierce

GRAPESHOT, n. An argument which the future is preparing in answer to the demands of American Socialism.

IDLENESS, n. A model farm where the devil experiments with seeds of new sins and promotes the growth of staple vices.

Deep sadness is an artist of powers that affects people in different ways. To one it comes like the stroke of an arrow, shocking all the emotions to a sharper life. To another, it comes as the blow of a crushing strike.

Cynic, n. A blackguard whose faulty vision sees things as they are not as they ought to be.

BELLADONNA, n. In Italian a beautiful lady; in English a deadly poison. A striking example of the essential identity of the two tongues.

Academe, n.: An ancient school where morality and philosophy were taught. Academy, n.: A modern school where football is taught.

BEHAVIOR, n. Conduct, as determined, not by principle, but by breeding. The word seems to be somewhat loosely used in Dr. Jamrach Holobom's translation of the following lines in the Dies Iræ:Recordare, Jesu pie,Quod sum causa tuæ viæ.Ne me perdas illa die.Pray remember, sacred Savior,Whose the thoughtless hand that gave yourDeath-blow. Pardon such behavior.

In this world one must have a name; it prevents confusion, even when it does not establish identity. Some, though, are known by numbers, which also seem inadequate distinctions.

So I say a name, even if self-bestowed, is better than a number. In the register of the potter's field I shall soon have both. What wealth!