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.
Never again will you be capable of ordinary human feeling. Everything will be dead inside you. Never again will you be capable of love, or friendship, or joy of living, or laughter, or curiosity, or courage, or integrity. You will be hollow. We shall squeeze you empty and then we shall fill you with ourselves.
Nonviolence against humans cannot take firm hold in society as long as brutality and violence are practiced toward other animals.
To be a woman is a great adventure; To drive men mad is a heroic thing.
The angel personifies something new arising from the deep unconscious.
To awaken within the dream is our purpose now. When we are awake within the dream, the ego-created earth-drama comes to an end and a more benign and wonderous dream arises.
All wars are follies, very expensive and very mischievous ones. In my opinion, there never was a good war or a bad peace. When will mankind be convinced and agree to settle their difficulties by arbitration?
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