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.
Nothing is funnier than unhappiness, I grant you that. Yes, yes, it's the most comical thing in the world.
The trouble with law is lawyers.
Congress consists of one-third, more or less, scoundrels; two-thirds, more or less, idiots; and three-thirds, more or less, poltroons.
Comedy should speak truth to power. It should always be aimed upward. When it's aimed downward, it's called bullying.
A cat's got her own opinion of human beings. She don't say much, but you can tell enough to make you anxious not to hear the whole of it.
... The truth of the matter is, that most English people don't know how to make tea anymore either, and most people drink cheap instant coffee instead, which is a pity, and gives Americans the impression that the English are just generally clueless about hot stimulants.
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