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EPIGRAM, n. A short, sharp saying in prose or verse, frequently characterize by acidity or acerbity and sometimes by wisdom.
Ambrose Bierce
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Interpretation

What this quote means

An epigram is a concise and often witty remark that conveys deeper truths.

Ambrose Bierce defines an epigram as a brief but impactful statement that can be characterized by its sharpness and wit, often containing layers of wisdom. This highlights the power of brevity in language, as succinct expressions can convey profound insights and provoke thought.

Themes

EpigramWisdomBrevityInsightWitticism

In practice

Example use cases

Using this quote in a literary discussion about the importance of concise writing.

More from Ambrose Bierce

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.
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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.
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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.'
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Disobey n:To celebrate with an appropriate ceremony the maturity of a command
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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.
Ambrose BierceRead
PARDON, v. To remit a penalty and restore to the life of crime. To add to the lure of crime the temptation of ingratitude.
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