The slightest acquaintance with history shows that powerful republics are the most warlike and unscrupulous of nations.
Interpretation
Powerful republics tend to engage in wars and display a lack of moral principles.
Ambrose Bierce's quote suggests that throughout history, nations with significant power, particularly republics, often exhibit a tendency towards militarism and a disregard for ethical considerations. This observation implies that the strengths of such nations can lead to aggressive behaviors and actions that prioritize power over accountability, hinting at the complex relationship between governance, authority, and morality in global affairs.
In practice
In a history class discussing the aggressive actions of powerful nations, this quote can be used to illustrate a pattern.
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.
Every February, we reflect on and honor the achievements, struggles, and icons that comprise Black history. As a proud, Black man running for office and raising two young, Black boys in the South, I am acutely aware that I stand on the shoulders of giants.
Glory to God in the highest, Ohio has saved the Nation.
Open your refrigerator door, and you summon forth more light than the total amount enjoyed by most households in the 18th century. The world at night, for much of history, was a very dark place indeed.
The historian does simply not come in to replenish the gaps of memory. He constantly challenges even those memories that have survived intact.
The memory of the Second World War hangs over Europe, an inescapable and irresistible point of reference. Historical parallels are usually misleading and dangerous.
I will never forget the bright September day, standing at my desk in the White House, when my young assistant said that a plane had hit the World Trade Center - and then a second one - and a third, the Pentagon.
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