MERCY, n. An attribute beloved of detected offenders.
Interpretation
Mercy is often more valued by those who have been caught wrongdoing.
This quote by Ambrose Bierce humorously suggests that the concept of mercy is primarily cherished by those who find themselves in a position of need for forgiveness, particularly when they have committed a transgression. It highlights the irony in how mercy is perceived and valued differently by the powerful and the powerless, where the former may seek justice while the latter often yearn for compassion.
In practice
Using this quote in a discussion about justice reform can spark dialogue about the need for mercy in the legal system.
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.
If compliments were food, I'd have starved to death 28 years ago.
Turgenev was a very serious fellow but he could make me laugh because a truth first encountered can be very funny. When someone else's truth is the same as your truth, and he seems to be saying it just for you, that's great.
No-one is exempt from speaking nonsense β the only misfortune is to do it solemnly.
When I'm up there, I'm just thinking that I've got to make them laugh or they won't show up next time.
A man who has spent most of his adult life trying out a series of patent medicines is always an optimist.
I go to dance clubs...about once a year just to justify the other 364 days I spend in my apartment going 'God, what idiots!'
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