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'old' is associated with inefficiency and a loss of value, indicating that society tends to discard what is deemed outdated in favor of the new.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.
The only unbearable thing is that nothing is unbearable.
Where there is no strife there is decay: 'The mixture which is not shaken decomposes.'
The creature born is the creature dying.
Never be satisfied with the world's standard of Christianity!
Experience having long taught me the reasonableness of mutual sacrifices of opinion among those who are to act together for any common object, and the expediency of doing what good we can; when we cannot do all we would wish.
Religion is of general and public concern, and on its support depend, in great measure, the peace and good order of government, the safety and happiness of the people.
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