WAR, n. A by-product of the arts of peace. The most menacing political condition is a period of international amity.
Interpretation
War is often seen as a consequence of peaceful endeavors rather than just conflict.
In this quote, Ambrose Bierce suggests that the existence of war is not merely a result of aggressive intentions but rather a by-product of the efforts made to achieve peace. He provocatively implies that a seemingly harmonious period is when true dangers may lie, as complacency can lead to unforeseen conflicts, highlighting the complexities of human relationships and political dynamics.
In practice
This quote could be used in a discussion about the paradoxes of peace and war in international relations.
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 care to see God, be pure. If you will not be pure, you will grow more and more impure.
The secret of reaping the greatest fruitfulness and the greatest enjoyment from life is to live dangerously.
Although it's the second largest country in the world, our useful area has been reduced. Our immigration policy is disgusting: We plunder southern countries by depriving them of future leaders, and we want to increase our population to support economic growth.
Let me go to hell, that's all I ask, and go on cursing them there, and them look down and hear me, that might take some of the shine off their bliss.
And a rock feels no pain; And an island never cries.
The aim of torture is to destroy a person as a human being, to destroy their identity and soul. It is more evil than murder.
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