Ambrose Bierce
Ambrose Bierce
Ambrose Gwinnett Biercewas an American editorialist, journalist, short story writer, fabulist, and satirist. He wrote the short story "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" and compiled a satirical lexicon, The Devil's Dictionary. His vehemence as a critic, his motto "Nothing matters", and the sardonic view of human nature that informed his work, all earned him the nickname "Bitter Bierce"...
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionNovelist
Date of Birth24 June 1842
CityMeighs County, OH
CountryUnited States of America
Distance, n. The only thing that the rich are willing for the poor to call theirs and keep.
Curiosity, n. An objectionable quality of the female mind. The desire to know whether or not a woman is cursed with curiosity is one of the most active and insatiable passions of the masculine soul.
The clarinet is a musical instrument the only thing worse than which is two.
ARTLESSNESS, n. A certain engaging quality to which women attain by long study and severe practice upon the admiring male, who is pleased to fancy it resembles the candid simplicity of his young.
TENACITY, n. A certain quality of the human hand in its relation to the coin of the realm. It attains its highest development in the hand of authority and is considered a serviceable equipment for a career in politics.
hybrid, n. A pooled issue.
resolute, adj. Obstinate in a course that we approve.
adore, v.t. To venerate expectantly.
renown, n. A degree of distinction between notoriety and fame - a little more supportable than the one and a little more intolerable than the other. Sometimes it is conferred by an unfriendly and inconsiderate hand.
gratitude, n. A sentiment lying midway between a benefit received and a benefit expected.
predicament, n. The wage of consistency.
adherent, n. A follower who has not yet obtained all that he expects to get.
recollect, v. To recall with additions something not previously known.
UXORIOUSNESS, n. A perverted affection that has strayed to one's own wife.