Ambrose [Gwinett] Bierce, (1842-1914), American writer Quotes
Erudition: dust shaken out of a book into an empty skull.
Religion: a daughter of Hope and Fear, explaining to Ignorance the nature of the Unknowable.
The art and practice of selling one's credibility for future delivery.
Patriotism: Combustible rubbish ready to the torch of any one ambitious to illuminate his name.
Appeal. In law, to put the dice into the box for another throw.
Witticism. A sharp and clever remark, usually quoted and seldom noted; what the Philistine is pleased to call a "joke.
Deliberation: The act of examining one's bread to determine which side it is buttered on.
ALLIANCE, n. In international politics,
the union of two thieves who have their
hands so deeply inserted in each other's pockets that
they cannot separately plunder a third.
Abscond. To "move" in a mysterious way, commonly with the property of another.
Creditor: One of a tribe of savages dwelling beyond the Financial Straits and dreaded for their desolating incursions.