“OBSOLETE, adj. No longer used by the timid. Said chiefly of words. A word which some lexicographer has marked obsolete is ever thereafter an object of dread and loathing to the fool writer, but if it is a good word and has no exact modern equivalent equally good, it is good enough for the good writer. Indeed, a writer's attitude toward "obsolete" words is as true a measure of his literary ability as anything except the character of his work. A dictionary of obsolete and obsolescent words would not only be singularly rich in strong and sweet parts of speech; it would add large possessions to the vocabulary of every competent writer who might not happen to be a competent reader.”
Ambrose Bierce“All are lunatics, but he who can analyze his delusion is called a philosopher.”
Ambrose Bierce, The Collected Writings Of Ambrose Bierce“You scoundrel, you have wronged me," hissed the philosopher, "May you live forever!”
Ambrose Bierce, A Cynic Looks at Life by Ambrose Bierce, Fiction, Fantasy, Horror, Classics“Lawsuit: A machine which you go into as a pig and come out of as a sausage.”
Ambrose Bierce“Men become civilized, not in proportion to their willingness to believe, but in proportion to their readiness to doubt.”
Ambrose Bierce“Perseverance - a lowly virtue whereby mediocrity achieves an inglorious success.”
Ambrose Bierce“Education, n.: That which discloses to the wise and disguises from the foolish their lack of understanding.”
Ambrose Bierce“Sweater, n.: garment worn by child when its mother is feeling chilly.”
Ambrose Bierce