Ambrose Bierce Quotes

Forgetfulness. A gift of God bestowed upon debtors in compensation for their destitution of conscience.

Ambrose Bierce

What is a democrat? One who believes that the republicans have ruined the country. What is a republican? One who believes that the democrats would ruin the country.

Ambrose Bierce

GRAMMAR, n. A system of pitfalls thoughtfully prepared for the feet for the self-made man, along the path by which he advances to distinction.

Ambrose Bierce

Reconsider, v. To seek a justification for a decision already made.

Ambrose Bierce

MINISTER, n. An agent of a higher power with a lower responsibility. In diplomacy, an officer sent into a foreign country as the visible embodiment of his sovereign's hostility.

Ambrose Bierce

ULTIMATUM, n. In diplomacy, a last demand before resorting to concessions.

Ambrose Bierce

In our civilization, and under our republican form of government, intelligence is so highly honored that it is rewarded by exemption from the cares of office.

Ambrose Bierce

Experience is a revelation in the light of which we renounce our errors of youth for those of age.

Ambrose Bierce

Ability is commonly found to consist mainly in a high degree of solemnity.

Ambrose Bierce

Painting: The art of protecting flat surfaces from the weather and exposing them to the critic.

Ambrose Bierce

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

Ambrose Bierce

Destiny, n. A tyrant's authority for crime and fool's excuse for failure.

Ambrose Bierce

Love: a temporary insanity, curable by marriage.

Ambrose Bierce

Work: a dangerous disorder affecting high public functionaries who want to go fishing

Ambrose Bierce

Perseverance - a lowly virtue whereby mediocrity achieves an inglorious success.

Ambrose Bierce

The gambling known as business looks with severe disfavor on the business known as gambling.

Ambrose Bierce