PASTIME, n. A device for promoting dejection. Gentle exercise for intellectual debility.
Interpretation
The quote humorously critiques pastimes as activities that distract from deeper intellectual engagement.
Ambrose Bierce's definition of 'pastime' satirically suggests that engaging in trivial activities serves more to foster feelings of dejection and a lack of mental stimulation. It implies that many leisure activities are merely distractions that prevent individuals from engaging in more meaningful pursuits, and it cleverly reflects Bierce's often cynical view of human nature and society.
In practice
In a speech about the importance of meaningful engagement, one might quote Bierce to emphasize the futility of trivial pursuits.
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.
People always tell me "Have a nice day." Well what if I don't want to? What if I want to have a crappy day?
I'm standing behind a wall of jokes. You don't know about my personal life, my girlfriends, or what I do when I'm not on the road. There's this guy, this comedian, and this is how he thinks, but people really don't know anything about me.
Wit penetrates; humor envelops. Wit is a function of verbal intelligence; humor is imagination operating on good nature.
Mr. Bennet's expectations were fully answered. His cousin was as absurd as he had hoped, and he listened to him with the keenest enjoyment.
Man, when you lose your laugh you lose your footing.
I didn't know if I could be funny on stage or write a joke. But I saw that there are no rules. If you're funny offstage, you can figure out a way to be funny onstage.
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