MULTITUDE, n. A crowd; the source of political wisdom and virtue. In a republic, the object of the statesman's adoration.
Interpretation
A multitude is often perceived as a source of wisdom and virtue, particularly in political contexts, despite its chaotic nature.
In this quote, Ambrose Bierce presents a skeptical view of the concept of 'multitude' in the political realm. He suggests that while crowds may be viewed as embodying wisdom and virtue, especially in a republican context where the popular will is paramount, they can also represent the complexities and contradictions inherent in collective human action. The statesman's reverence for the multitude may reflect an idealization that overlooks the potential for disorder and irrationality that large groups can also bring.
In practice
This quote can be used to provoke thought in a political debate about the role of public opinion.
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.
Remember: the Bible is our only authoritative source of information about Heaven.
The easy confidence with which I know another man's religion is folly teaches me to suspect that my own is also.
No man is so methodical as a complete idler, and none so scrupulous in measuring out his time as he whose time is worth nothing.
No one likes to admit they are racist or bear prejudices. Nor do they even like to be open and honest when they witness racist behaviour.
Fantasy flows in where fact leaves a vacuum.
By now, everyone I know is one of seven strangers, inevitably hoping to represent a predefined demographic and always failing horribly. The Read World is the real world is The Real World is the read world. Itβs the same true story, even when it isnβt.
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