EXISTENCE, n. A transient, horrible, fantastic dream,/ Wherein is nothing yet all things do seem:/ From which we're wakened by a friendly nudge/ Of our bedfellow Death, and cry: "O fudge!"
Interpretation
This quote reflects on the nature of existence as a fleeting and surreal experience, ultimately concluding with the inevitability of death.
Ambrose Bierce's quote captures the essence of human existence as a fleeting and often confusing journey, likening it to a bizarre dream that blurs the lines between reality and illusion. The mention of 'a friendly nudge' from death suggests acceptance of mortality as an intrinsic part of life, while the exclamation 'O fudge!' humorously downplays the gravity of this realization, inviting a brief moment of levity in the face of the profound.
In practice
In a discussion about the philosophical aspects of life and death, this quote can prompt deeper thinking.
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.
The doors of Hell, insofar as they have locks, have locks on the inside.
All silencing of discussion is an assumption of infallibility.
What a piece of work is a man, how noble in reason, how infinite in faculties, in form and moving how express and admirable, in action how like an angel, in apprehension how like a god.
"Bombing Afghanistan back into the Stone Age" was quite a favourite headline for some wobbly liberals. The slogan does all the work. But an instant's thought shows that Afghanistan is being, if anything, bombed OUT of the Stone Age.
An animal that embarks on forming states without greatly restricting egoism will perish.
The sudden hand of Death close up mine eye!
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