TRUTHFUL, adj. Dumb and illiterate.
Interpretation
The quote satirically defines 'truthful' as something that can be connected to ignorance, suggesting a deeper reflection on the nature of truth.
Ambrose Bierce's definition of 'truthful' as 'dumb and illiterate' presents a cynical view of honesty. By associating truthfulness with a lack of sophistication, Bierce challenges the reader to consider how truth can sometimes be simplistic or uninformed, highlighting the complexities and nuances that surround the concept of truth in society and communication.
In practice
In a debate, you might quote this to emphasize the complexities involved in discussing truth.
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.
In old age, you realise that while you're divided from your youth by decades, you can close your eyes and summon it at will. As a writer it puts one at a distinct advantage.
Our own self-love draws a thick veil between us and our faults.
The ability to calm your soul and wait before God is one of the most difficult things in the Christian life. Our old nature is restless... the world around us is frantically in a hurry. But a restless heart usually leads to a reckless life.
The rains of Life's Blessings cannot gather on mountaintops of pride, but flow easily into valleys of humbleness.
When you see a good man, try to emulate his example, and when you see a bad man, search yourself for his faults.
Fear of something is at the root of hate for others, and hate within will eventually destroy the hater.
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