MATERIAL, adj. Having an actual existence, as distinguished from an imaginary one. Important.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the significance of tangible realities over mere thoughts or fantasies.
Ambrose Bierce's definition of 'material' highlights the importance of concrete existence in contrast to the abstract or imaginative. It suggests a focus on what is real and substantial, encouraging individuals to recognize and value the things that have actual presence and relevance in their lives, rather than getting lost in dreams or ideals that do not manifest in reality.
In practice
In a discussion about philosophical ideas, this quote can be used to emphasize the value of tangible outcomes over theoretical concepts.
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.
Genocide, after all, is an exercise in community building.
It's gotten to a point where everybody is concerned about their rights and nobody is concerned about their duties.
To be perfectly just is an attribute of the divine nature; to be so to the utmost of our abilities, is the glory of man.
In vain we call old notions fudge, And bend our conscience to our dealing; The Ten Commandments will not budge, And stealing will continue stealing.
I believe that all is illusion and vanity outside the treasure of truths slowly accumulated, and which will never again be lost. I believe that the sum of these truths, always increasing, will at last confer on man incalculable power and peace, if not happiness. Yes, I believe in the final triumph of life.
Just when I discovered the meaning of life, they changed it.
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