Quotes from book
The Devil's Dictionary
The Devil's Dictionary is a satirical dictionary written by American Civil War soldier, journalist, and writer Ambrose Bierce consisting of common words followed by humorous and satirical definitions. The lexicon was written over three decades as a series of installments for magazines and newspapers. Bierce's witty definitions were imitated and plagiarized for years before he gathered them into books, first as The Cynic's Word Book in 1906 and then in a more complete version as The Devil's Dictionary in 1911.
The Devil's Dictionary (1911)
The Devil's Dictionary (1911)
Context: Brain, n. An apparatus with which we think that we think... 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.
The Devil's Dictionary (1911)
Source: The Devil's Dictionary (1911)
“Cabbage, n. A familiar kitchen-garden vegetable about as large and wise as a man's head.”
The Devil's Dictionary (1911)
The Devil's Dictionary (1911)
“Happiness, n. An agreeable sensation arising from contemplating the misery of another.”
The Devil's Dictionary (1911)
“Politics, n. Strife of interests masquerading as a contest of principles.”
The Devil's Dictionary (1911)
Context: Politics, n. A strife of interests masquerading as a contest of principles. The conduct of public affairs for private advantage.
The Devil's Dictionary (1911)
Context: Acquaintance, n. A person whom we know well enough to borrow from, but not well enough to lend to. A degree of friendship called slight when its object is poor or obscure, and intimate when he is rich or famous
“Admiration, n. Our polite recognition of another's resemblance to ourselves.”
The Devil's Dictionary (1911)
