OBSTINATE, adj. Inaccessible to the truth as it is manifest in the splendor and stress of our advocacy.
Interpretation
Obstinacy refers to a refusal to accept truth despite evidence, often clouded by oneβs own beliefs.
This quote by Ambrose Bierce critiques stubbornness and the unwillingness to accept truths that contradict personal ideologies. It highlights how an obstinate mindset can blind individuals to realities, even when they are presented in a compelling manner, thereby potentially undermining genuine understanding and discourse.
In practice
In a debate setting, when discussing opposing views, one might use this quote to emphasize the importance of open-mindedness.
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.
What people see on court is another side of me; it's not me.
Any victory would be dear at such a price.
When you're safe at home you wish you were having an adventure; when you're having an adventure you wish you were safe at home.
Reality television is to television what marble and gold are to real estate. The point is to dispense with the idea of taste. It's all id. The more unrestrained the better. We all know that 'reality' in reality television is not real. That anybody who would participate in reality television is a fake. But pretending otherwise makes them real.
One of the greatest opportunities to live our values-or betray them-lies in the food we put on our plates.
What you hope, you will eventually believe. _x000D_ What you believe you will eventually know. What you know, you will eventually create. What you create, _x000D_ you will eventually experience. What you experience, _x000D_ you will eventually express. What you express, _x000D_ you will eventually become. _x000D_ This is the formula for all of life.
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