Philanthropist, n.: A rich (and usually bald) old gentleman who has trained himself to grin while his conscience is picking his pocket.
Interpretation
The quote humorously critiques wealthy philanthropists who may appear generous while being self-serving.
Ambrose Bierce's quote cleverly captures the irony of philanthropy, suggesting that some wealthy individuals engage in charitable acts primarily to soothe their conscience while still benefiting themselves. This reflection invites readers to consider the motivations behind acts of charity and the societal structures that often privilege the rich, highlighting a tension between genuine altruism and self-interest.
In practice
This quote would be great to use in a discussion about corporate social responsibility.
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.
Let there be dancing in the streets, drinking in the saloons, and necking in the parlor.
I would like to take you seriously, but to do so would be an affront to your intelligence.
I was so long writing my review that I never got around to reading the book.
I turned on the pillow with a little moan, and at this juncture Jeeves entered with the vital oolong. I clutched at it like a drowning man at a straw hat.
I am pushing sixty. That is enough exercise for me.
Last time I was down South I walked into this restaurant, and this white waitress came up to me and said: 'We don't serve colored people here.' "I said: 'that's all right, I don't eat colored people. Bring me a whole fried chicken.
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