OPIATE, n. An unlocked door in the prison of Identity. It leads into the jail yard.
Interpretation
This quote suggests that the concept of identity can be restrictive, yet the idea of an 'opiate' offers a means of escape or a different perspective.
Ambrose Bierce's quote presents 'opiate' as a metaphor for an unlocked door that provides an escape from the confines of one's identity. The reference to a 'prison' emphasizes the notion that identity can be a limiting factor, often constraining individuals to societal expectations or self-imposed definitions. The 'jail yard' symbolizes freedom outside of these confines, illustrating that through the lens of an opiate—whether viewed as a substance or an idea—one can find moments of liberation from the rigidities of identity.
In practice
In a discussion about the nature of self, this quote can highlight the paradox of identity.
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.
For me, peace is a fundamental human right of every child; it is inevitable and divine.
I'm sure I would still have anxiety even if I got a bunch of surgery, and was the most conventionally attractive, cis-passing woman in the world; I think those are traumas that never go away.
I think overall the majority of people who are practicing it as a subject are following the right line. For the aberration, don't blame yoga or the whole community of yogis
If the Great Way perishes there will morality and duty. When cleverness and knowledge arise great lies will flourish. When relatives fall out with one another there will be filial duty and love. When states are in confusion there will be faithful servants.
I ask every Australian to think about what the constitutional exclusion says to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, to see our vast and inspiring history in this land not mentioned in the official picture like that.
Our loyalties are to the species and the planet. We speak for Earth.
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