REPRESENTATIVE, n. In national politics, a member of the Lower House in this world, and without discernible hope of promotion in the next.
Interpretation
This quote satirically describes the role of a representative in politics as a lowly position with little chance of advancement.
Ambrose Bierce humorously critiques the position of a political representative by suggesting that it is a low-status job that lacks prospects for improvement, both in terms of power and in any metaphysical sense after life. By referring to it as the 'Lower House', he implies that politicians often feel trapped in their roles with little hope for future success or elevation in status, both in the political hierarchy and in the afterlife.
In practice
This quote can be used to spark a discussion on the nature of political representation during a political science lecture.
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 chief foundations of all states, new as well as old or composite, are good laws and good arms.
There is too much disagreement for disagreement's sake. In a time of persistent challenges that still call into question our most sacred aspirations as a country, we cannot afford shallow callous divisiveness in our public debate.
Dr Urbino did not agree: in his opinion a Liberal president was exactly the same as a Conservative president, but not as well dressed.
Wherever despotism abounds, the sources of public information are the first to be brought under its control.
Anti-Americanism is often the product of limits on free speech, education systems that promote bias and the practice of some leaders of saying one thing abroad and the opposite at home.
The political machine triumphs because it is a united minority acting against a divided majority.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.