History is an account, mostly false, of events, mostly unimportant, which are brought about by rulers, mostly knaves, and soldiers, mostly fools.
Interpretation
History is often misrepresented and influenced by unworthy individuals and trivial events.
Ambrose Bierce's quote reflects a cynical view of history, suggesting that what we know as history is frequently distorted by the motivations of those in power, such as rulers and soldiers. He characterizes these figures as untrustworthy and foolish, indicating that the events they shape are often unimportant in the grand scheme of life, revealing a skepticism about the accuracy and value of recorded history.
In practice
This quote could be used in a history class discussion to emphasize the importance of questioning historical narratives.
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.
When I'm older I'll understand" said Lucy, " I am older and I don't think I want to understand", replied Edmund
Man lives consciously for himself, but is an unconscious instrument in the attainment of the historic, universal, aims of humanity.
Science is nothing but perception.
If Heaven and Earth are unable to persist, how could man?
Although it is difficult to pinpoint the physical base or location of awareness, it is perhaps the most precious thing concealed within our brains. And it is something that the individual alone can feel and experience. Each of us cherishes it highly, yet it is private.
This world is full of conflicts and full of things that cannot be reconciled. But there are moments when we can... reconcile and embrace the whole mess, and that's what I mean by 'Hallelujah.'
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.