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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.
Ambrose Bierce
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote humorously defines a palm tree while playfully suggesting that wealth can be detected by a tree's sap.

Ambrose Bierce's quote cleverly juxtaposes a literal description of a palm tree with a satirical twist by mentioning the 'itching palm' and suggesting that its noble gum can reveal gold or silver. This tongue-in-cheek commentary reflects Bierce's wit and philosophical musings about human greed and the folly of materialism as seen in society.

Themes

PalmMoneyHumorWealthSapNature

In practice

Example use cases

In a humorous speech about the nature of wealth and comfort.

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