TALK, v.t. To commit an indiscretion without temptation, from an impulse without purpose.
Interpretation
Talking can often lead to unintended consequences, especially when done impulsively and without thoughtful intent.
In this quote, Ambrose Bierce humorously suggests that talking is sometimes an act of folly, driven by impulse rather than clear intention. It implies that many conversations lack depth and can result in regrettable statements, highlighting the precarious nature of verbal communication.
In practice
During a toast at a wedding, someone might reference this quote to remind everyone to think before they speak.
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.
Cats will amusingly tolerate humans only until someone comes up with a tin opener that can be operated with a paw.
My favourite kind of comedy comes from the awkwardness of living, the stuff that makes you cringe but borders on tragic - that is more interesting to me. It resonates; it comes from emotional truth.
I'm a big woman. I need big hair.
Laughter and tears are both responses to frustration and exhaustion. I myself prefer to laugh, since there is less cleaning up to do afterward.
I'm a bit of a coward, and lazy, oddly enough.
It should seem that it is easier to square the circle than to get round a mathematician.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.