OLD, adj. In that stage of usefulness which is not inconsistent with general inefficiency, as an "old man". Discredited by lapse of time and offensive to the popular taste, as an "old" book.
Interpretation
The quote humorously critiques how society perceives age and value, suggesting that 'old' signifies both a lack of utility and a dismissal by modern standards.
Ambrose Bierce's quote offers a satirical look at how society views aging, both in people and in literature. It implies that being 'old' is associated with inefficiency and a loss of value, indicating that society tends to discard what is deemed outdated in favor of the new. This perspective invites reflection on our treatment of age and wisdom, suggesting a deeper commentary on the ephemeral nature of cultural relevance and the fleeting nature of trends.
In practice
During a discussion about the value of classic literature, one might quote Bierce to highlight how old books are often underestimated.
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.
Augustus Waters died eight days after his prefuneral, at Memorial, in the ICU, when the cancer, which was made of him, finally stopped his heart, which was also made of him.
How do I create something out of nothing? And how do I create my own life? I think it is by questioning, and saying to myself that there are no absolute truths.
For nothing, how little soever, that is suffered for God's sake, can pass without merit in the sight of God.
God knows what you've been doing, everything you've been doing. You may fool me, but you can't fool God!
Mad Hatter: “Why is a raven like a writing-desk?” “Have you guessed the riddle yet?” the Hatter said, turning to Alice again. “No, I give it up,” Alice replied: “What’s the answer?” “I haven’t the slightest idea,” said the Hatter
Those who can win a war well can rarely make a good peace and those who could make a good peace would never have won the war.
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