Ambrose Gwinnett Bierce, born on June 24, 1842, in Meigs County, Ohio, was a renowned American journalist, short story writer, and satirist. His career was marked by bold reporting during the Civil War, where he served with distinction, and his influential literary works that blended dark humor with social critique. Bierce’s notable achievements include authoring “The Devil’s Dictionary,” a satirical lexicon first published in 1911, and stories like “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge,” which showcased his cynical wit. He mysteriously disappeared in 1913 during the Mexican Revolution, adding to his enigmatic legacy. The quotes here are sourced exclusively from “The Devil’s Dictionary,” focusing on themes of life, such as existence, human nature, and mortality. This collection highlights Bierce’s incisive commentary, offering 15 quotes that invite reflection on life’s absurdities.
15 ambrose bierce devil’s dictionary quotes Quotes
1. “Life: A spiritual pickle preserving the body from decay.” (Book, “The Devil’s Dictionary,” 1911)
2. “Death: That to which the last and best of life is no obstacle.” (Book, “The Devil’s Dictionary,” 1911)
3. “Love: A temporary insanity curable by marriage.” (Book, “The Devil’s Dictionary,” 1911)
4. “Happiness: An agreeable sensation arising from contemplating the misery of another.” (Book, “The Devil’s Dictionary,” 1911)
5. “Friendship: A ship big enough to carry two in fair weather, but only one in foul.” (Book, “The Devil’s Dictionary,” 1911)
6. “Cynic: A blackguard whose faulty vision sees things as they are, not as they ought to be.” (Book, “The Devil’s Dictionary,” 1911)
7. “Optimist: A proponent of the doctrine that black is white.” (Book, “The Devil’s Dictionary,” 1911)
8. “Pessimist: One who has been intimately acquainted with an optimist.” (Book, “The Devil’s Dictionary,” 1911)
9. “Truth: An ingenious compound of desirability and appearance.” (Book, “The Devil’s Dictionary,” 1911)
10. “Egotist: A person of low taste, more interested in himself than in me.” (Book, “The Devil’s Dictionary,” 1911)
11. “Marriage: The state or condition of a community consisting of a master, a mistress, and two slaves, making in all, two.” (Book, “The Devil’s Dictionary,” 1911)
12. “Saint: A dead sinner revised and edited.” (Book, “The Devil’s Dictionary,” 1911)
13. “Conservative: A statesman who is enamored of existing evils, as distinguished from the Liberal, who wishes to replace them with others.” (Book, “The Devil’s Dictionary,” 1911)
14. “Radical: One who would substitute a new folly for an old one.” (Book, “The Devil’s Dictionary,” 1911)
15. “Life: All that a man does from the time he gets up until he goes to bed, except when he is asleep.” (Book, “The Devil’s Dictionary,” 1911)
In summary, these quotes from Ambrose Bierce’s “The Devil’s Dictionary” illuminate his sharp, cynical perspective on life’s complexities, revealing a master satirist who used humor to expose human flaws and societal hypocrisies. They showcase Bierce’s ability to blend wit with profound insight, encouraging readers to question the absurdities of existence. Overall, they reflect his enduring legacy as a thoughtful critic of the human condition. What insights do these quotes spark for you? Share your thoughts and favorite definitions in the comments below.