PILGRIM, n. A traveler that is taken seriously. A Pilgrim Father was one who [was] not permitted to sing psalms through his nose [in Europe], followed it to Massachusetts, where he could personate God according to the dictates of his conscience.
Interpretation
The quote explores the nature of a pilgrim and the seriousness of a traveler's journey in pursuit of personal freedom.
Ambrose Bierce's quote uses the concept of a pilgrim to illustrate the idea of individuals undertaking serious journeys in search of spiritual or personal meaning. The reference to historical Pilgrim Fathers highlights the struggle for freedom of expression and belief, suggesting that true pilgrims are those who follow their convictions despite societal restrictions.
In practice
In a speech about personal growth, one could say, 'As a pilgrim in search of truth, we must embrace our journey, much like the Pilgrim Fathers did.'
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.
Africa for the Africans... at home and abroad!
I believe it is universally understood and acknowledged that all men will ever act correctly, unless they have a motive to do otherwise.
Thinking is a sacred disease and sight is deceptive.
Reality is a prison, where one vegetates and always will. All the rest - thought, action - is just a pastime, mental or physical. What counts then, is to come to grips with reality. The rest can go.
Thou art a man God is no more Thy own humanity Learn to adore
I have always been and will be an enemy of communism, but I love all people.
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