Beauty. The power by which a woman charms a lover and terrifies a husband.
Quotes from The Cynic's Dictionary — Ambrose Bierce
1842–1910 United States
← All quotes by Ambrose Bierce
104 quotes
DARING, n. One of the most conspicuous qualities of a man in security.
The Cynic's Dictionary (1906)
FIDELITY, n. A virtue peculiar to those who are about to be betrayed.
The Cynic's Dictionary (1906)
IRRELIGION, n. The principal one of the great faiths of the world.
The Cynic's Dictionary (1906)
HOPE, n. Desire and expectation rolled into one.
The Cynic's Dictionary (1906)
The Cynic's Dictionary (1906)
The Cynic's Dictionary (1906)
The Cynic's Dictionary (1906)
The Cynic's Dictionary (1906)
The Cynic's Dictionary (1906)
APPETITE, n. An instinct thoughtfully implanted by Providence as a solution to the labor question.
The Cynic's Dictionary (1906)
The Cynic's Dictionary (1906)
The Cynic's Dictionary (1906)
DENTIST, n. A prestidigitator who, putting metal into your mouth, pulls coins out of your pocket.
The Cynic's Dictionary (1906)
EXCESS, n. In morals, an indulgence that enforces by appropriate penalties the law of moderation.
The Cynic's Dictionary (1906)
BIGOT, n. One who is obstinately and zealously attached to an opinion that you do not entertain.
The Cynic's Dictionary (1906)
AIR, n. A nutritious substance supplied by a bountiful Providence for the fattening of the poor.
The Cynic's Dictionary (1906)
The Cynic's Dictionary (1906)
DISTANCE, n. The only thing that the rich are willing for the poor to call theirs, and keep.
The Cynic's Dictionary (1906)
EMANCIPATION, n. A bondman's change from the tyranny of another to the despotism of himself.
The Cynic's Dictionary (1906)
Attribution
Quotes and notes from Wikiquote: Ambrose Bierce (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0.