PITY, n. A failing sense of exemption, inspired by contrast.
Interpretation
Pity highlights a sense of detachment from others' suffering, often influenced by one's own circumstances.
In this quote, Ambrose Bierce defines pity as a kind of emotional response that arises not from true compassion but rather from an awareness of one's relative fortune or misfortune in comparison to others. The term suggests that pity is often superficial, as it is rooted in a personal assessment of one's life circumstances rather than a genuine connection to the pain or struggle of another individual.
In practice
In a discussion about social issues and empathy, one might reference this quote to illustrate the superficial nature of pity.
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.
As soon as any man says of the affairs of the State "What does it matter to me?" the State may be given up for lost.
Man adapts himself to everything, to the best and the worst.
Because he is; that is, because he is an infinitely glorious, good, wise, holy, powerful, righteous, self-subsisting , self-sufficient , and all-sufficient being; the fountain and author of all being and good; the first cause, last end, and sovereign Lord of all; therefore, he is to be worshipped: therefore, are we to admire, adore, and love him; to praise, to trust and to fear him.
We are all born like Catholics, aren't weβin limbo, without religion, until some figure introduces us to God?
All things are poisons, for there is nothing without poisonous qualities. It is only the dose which makes a thing poison.
One should absorb the colour of life, but one should never remember its details. Details are always vulgar.
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