TRUST, n. In American politics, a large corporation composed in greater part of thrifty working men, widows of small means, orphans in the care of guardians and the courts, with many similar malefactors and public enemies.
Interpretation
This quote humorously critiques the nature of trust in American politics, suggesting that corporations often act against the public's interest while claiming to serve it.
Ambrose Bierce's definition of 'trust' in this quote highlights the irony in how large corporations, often seen as benefactors or protectors, can actually operate in ways that are detrimental to the very people they are purported to support. By describing trustworthy entities as comprised of 'thrifty working men' and 'widows of small means,' he underscores the exploitation and manipulation involved in politics, suggesting that trust may be misapplied in these contexts.
In practice
In a political debate, referencing this quote can highlight concerns about corporate influence.
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 you remove the English Army tomorrow and hoist the green flag over Dublin Castle., unless you set about the organization of the Socialist Republic your efforts will be in vain. England will still rule you. She would rule you through her capitalists, through her landlords, through her financiers, through the whole array of commercial and individualist institutions she has planted in this country and watered with the tears of our mothers and the blood of our martyrs
No measure can be more desirable, whether viewed with an eye to its intrinsic importance, or to the general sentiment and wish of the Nation than to establish a systematic and effectual arrangement for the regular redemption and discharge of the public debt.
Politics is not a bad profession. If you succeed there are many rewards, if you disgrace yourself you can always write a book.
The two most important things that can be done to promote democracy in the world is first, to bring moral clarity back to world affairs and second, to link international policies to the advance of democracy around the globe.
A little rebellion now and then... is a medicine necessary for the sound health of government.
I sent American troops to Iraq to make its people free, not to make them American. Iraqis will write their own history and find their own way.
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