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CERBERUS, n. The watch-dog of Hades, whose duty it was to guard the entrance - against whom or what does not clearly appear; everybody, sooner or later, had to go there, and nobody wanted to carry off the entrance.
Ambrose Bierce
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Cerberus symbolizes the inevitability of death and the fear surrounding it.

The quote reflects on the role of Cerberus, the mythical creature that guards the underworld, as a metaphor for death. It highlights the universal truth that everyone must face mortality eventually, despite the natural aversion to it. The fact that no one wishes to disturb this grave entrance suggests a shared understanding of the solemnity and mystery of death, which remains a part of the human experience.

Themes

DeathCerberusMortalityHadesFear

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech about life and loss, one could use this quote to emphasize the inevitability of death.

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PARDON, v. To remit a penalty and restore to the life of crime. To add to the lure of crime the temptation of ingratitude.
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Quote by Ambrose Bierce | QuoteProject