Acquaintance. A person whom we know well enough to borrow from, but not well enough to lend to.
Interpretation
This quote humorously highlights the superficial nature of some social connections.
Ambrose Bierce's quote on acquaintance sheds light on the interesting and often transactional nature of some human relationships. It suggests that while we may have a familiarity with certain individuals—enough to comfortably request favors or resources—we may still lack the depth of trust and mutual engagement that characterizes more meaningful friendships. This irony emphasizes how some connections are more about convenience than genuine companionship.
In practice
During a speech on social networking, one might use this quote to illustrate the difference between acquaintances and true friends.
PALM, n. A species of tree . . . of which the familiar "itching palm" ("Palma hominis") is most widely distributed . . . . This noble vegetable exudes a kind of invisible gum, which may be detected by applying to the bark a piece of gold or silver.
Human nature is pretty well balanced; for every lacking virtue there is a rough substitute that will serve at a pinch--as cunning is the wisdom of the unwise, and ferocity the courage of the coward.
Indigestion: A disease which the patient and his friends frequently mistake for deep religious conviction and concern for the salvation of mankind. As the simple Red Man of the Western Wild put it, with, it must be confessed, a certain force: 'Plenty well, no pray; big belly ache, heap God.'
Disobey n:To celebrate with an appropriate ceremony the maturity of a command
NOUMENON, n. That which exists, as distinguished from that which merely seems to exist, the latter being a phenomenon. The noumenon is a bit difficult to locate; it can be apprehended only by a process of reasoning - which is a phenomenon.
PARDON, v. To remit a penalty and restore to the life of crime. To add to the lure of crime the temptation of ingratitude.
People have to start talking to know more about other cultures and to understand each other.
While having friends of color is better than not having them, it doesn't change the overall system or prevent racism from surfacing in our relationships. The societal default is white superiority, and we are fed a steady diet of it 24/7. To not actively seek to interrupt racism is to internalize and accept it.
Your choice of people to associate with, both personally and business-wise, is one of the most important choices you make. If you associate with turkeys, you will never fly with the eagles.
The roots of homophobia are fear. Fear and more fear.
A girl doesn't always want to go out, you know, Mr. Wind-Up Bird. Sometimes she feels like being nasty--like, if the guy's gonna wait, let him really wait.
People disappeared, reappeared, made plans to go somewhere, and then lost each other, searched for each other, found each other a few feet away.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.