Acquaintance. A person whom we know well enough to borrow from, but not well enough to lend to.
Interpretation
This quote humorously highlights the superficial nature of some social connections.
Ambrose Bierce's quote on acquaintance sheds light on the interesting and often transactional nature of some human relationships. It suggests that while we may have a familiarity with certain individuals—enough to comfortably request favors or resources—we may still lack the depth of trust and mutual engagement that characterizes more meaningful friendships. This irony emphasizes how some connections are more about convenience than genuine companionship.
In practice
During a speech on social networking, one might use this quote to illustrate the difference between acquaintances and true friends.
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.
Growing up, I didn't feel cool; I didn't fit into any crowd.
During my teens and early 20s, I proved to be anything but what most people expected Billy Graham's son to be. I'm so thankful he never gave up on me or quit loving me.
Words are a pretext. It is the inner bond that draws one person to another, not words.
Our listening creates a sanctuary for the homeless parts within another person.
What is marriage, is marriage protection or religion, is marriage renunciation or abundance, is marriage a stepping-stone or an end. What is marriage.
Hazel has to realize that her mom was wrong when she said, “I won’t be a mother anymore.” The truth is, after Hazel dies (assuming she dies), her mom will still be her mom, just as my grandmother is still my grandmother even though she has died. As long as either person is still alive, that relationship survives. (It changes, but it survives.)
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