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.
Interpretation
The quote suggests that intelligence is valued in society to the extent that intelligent individuals may be relieved from mundane responsibilities.
Ambrose Bierce highlights a paradox within democratic societies, where intelligence is both celebrated and recognized through a unique reward: the privilege of avoiding the burdens often associated with public office. This statement reflects on how society honors intellectual capability, allowing the wise to step back from the complexities of governance, perhaps implying that the best leaders should be both intelligent and willing to serve in the interests of the community.
In practice
This quote can be used in a speech on the importance of valuing intelligence in leadership roles.
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.
Common sense is nothing more than a deposit of prejudices laid down by the mind before you reach eighteen.
Your demons will cause your angels to sing. Use the pain as fuel.
My four articles of faith: clarity, simplicity, brevity and humanity.
Perhaps when the light of heaven shows us clearly the pitfalls and dangers of the earth road that led to the heavenly city, our sweetest songs of gratitude will be not for the troubles we have conquered, but for those we have escaped.
Define yourself radically as one beloved by God. This is the true self. Every other identity is illusion. God's love for you and his choice of you constitute your worth. Accept that, and let it become the most important thing in your life.
With even a little intuitive wisdom we will be able to see clearly the ways of the world. We will come to understand that everything in the world is our teacher.
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