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Ambrose Bierce Quotes
1842–1910 United States
Ambrose Gwinnett Bierce (June 24, 1842 – date of death uncertain; probably late 1912 or early 1914) was an American satirist, critic, short story writer, editor and journalist. He is perhaps most famous for his serialized mock lexicon, The Devil's Dictionary, in which, over the years, he scathed American culture and accepted wisdom by pointing out alternate, more practical definitions for common words.
United States Agnostics Columnists Comedians Critics Also known as: Bierce, Bierce, Ambrose, The Devil's Dictionary
Random Ambrose Bierce quote
361 quotes
When lost in a forest go always down hill. When lost in a philosophy or doctrine go upward.
An army's bravest men are its cowards. The death which they would not meet at the hands of the enemy they will meet at the hands of their officers, with never a flinching.
What I Saw At Shiloh (1881)
The gambling known as business looks with austere disfavor upon the business known as gambling.
O proud philanthropist, your hope is vain
When prosperous the fool trembles for the evil that is to come; in adversity the philosopher smiles for the good that he has had.
To be comic is merely to be playful, but wit is a serious matter. To laugh at it is to confess that you do not understand.
Intolerance is natural and logical, for in every dissenting opinion lies an assumption of superior wisdom.
The Cynic's Word Book (1906)
The only distinction that democracies reward is a high degree of conformity.
Self-denial is indulgence of a propensity to forego.
Belladonna, n.: In Italian a beautiful lady; in English a deadly poison. A striking example of the essential identity of the two tongues.
Strive not for singularity in dress; Fools have the more and men of sense the less. To look original is not worth while, But be in mind a little out of style.
Bride, n. A woman with a fine prospect of happiness behind her.
The Devil's Dictionary (1911)
Hand, n. A singular instrument worn at the end of a human arm and commonly thrust into somebody's pocket.
The Cynic's Dictionary (1906)
A nation that will not enforce its laws has no claim to the respect and allegiance of its people.
Slang is a foul pool at which every dunce fills his bucket, and then sets up as a fountain.
Age, with his eyes in the back of his head, thinks it wisdom to see the bogs through which he has floundered.
Convictions are variable; to be always consistent is to be sometimes dishonest.
Happiness is lost by criticizing it; sorrow by accepting it.
To the eye of failure success is an accident.
Absurdity, n. A statement or belief manifestly inconsistent with one's own opinion.
The Devil's Dictionary (1911)
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