Inhumanity, n. One of the signal and characteristic qualities of humanity.
Interpretation
Inhumanity is a fundamental aspect of human nature, highlighting the contradictions within humanity itself.
This quote by Ambrose Bierce presents a paradoxical view of humanity, suggesting that inhumanity is not just an absence of humane qualities, but rather a defining characteristic of human existence. It implies that the capacity for cruelty and lack of empathy is an innate part of what it means to be human, challenging the notion that humans are inherently benevolent or compassionate.
In practice
In a discussion about the nature of evil in literature, one might quote Bierce to emphasize the complexity of human behavior.
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.
I became convinced that noncooperation with evil is as much a moral obligation as is cooperation with good.
Mind is the absence of meditation. The moment meditation arises in you, mind is found nowhere.
Unsung, the noblest deed will die.
The world is eaten up by boredom. You can't see it all at once. It is like dust. You go about and never notice, you breathe it in, you eat and drink it. It is sifted so fine, it doesn't even grit on your teeth. But stand still for an instant and there it is, coating your face and hands.
By what aberration has suicide, the only truly normal action, become the attribute of the flawed?
The suburbs dream of violence.
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