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It is evident that skepticism, while it makes no actual change in man, always makes him feel better.
Ambrose Bierce
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Skepticism doesn't change a person's situation but can improve their emotional state.

Ambrose Bierce's quote suggests that while skepticism might not alter the objective circumstances of a person, it offers a sense of relief or comfort. This implies that questioning or doubting certain situations can provide individuals with a psychological buffer, leaving them feeling better about their lives or choices, even if the fundamental issues remain unchanged.

Themes

SkepticismFeeling BetterWisdomPhilosophyDoubt

In practice

Example use cases

In a philosophy class discussing the benefits of skepticism.

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.
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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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Quote by Ambrose Bierce | QuoteProject