THEOSOPHY, n. An ancient faith having all the certitude of religion and all the mystery of science.
Interpretation
Theosophy combines elements of religious belief and scientific inquiry, presenting a worldview that acknowledges both certainty and mystery.
In this quote, Ambrose Bierce highlights the unique characteristics of Theosophy as a belief system that embodies the unwavering faith typically found in religion, while also embracing the enigmatic nature of scientific exploration. It suggests that the pursuit of spiritual and philosophical understanding involves both conviction and contemplation of the unknown.
In practice
In a discussion on the intersection of belief and knowledge, this quote can remind people of the balance between faith and inquiry.
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.
If England was what England seems, _x000D_ An not the England of our dreams, _x000D_ But only putty, brass, an' paint, _x000D_ 'Ow quick we'd chuck 'er! But she ain't!
One-third to one-half of humanity are said to go to bed hungry every night. In the Old Stone Age the fraction must have been much smaller. This is the era of hunger unprecedented. Now, in the time of the greatest technical power, is starvation an institution. Reverse another venerable formula: the amount of hunger increases relatively and absolutely with the evolution of culture.
Scratch the surface of most cynics and you find a frustrated idealist β someone who made the mistake of converting his ideals into expectations.
A lot of times, real life is more surreal than writing.
Who are we, if not measured by our impact on others?
It is the distinguishing glory of Christianity not to rest satisfied with superficial appearances, but to rectify the motives, and purify the heart.
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