PITY, n. A failing sense of exemption, inspired by contrast.
Interpretation
Pity highlights a sense of detachment from others' suffering, often influenced by one's own circumstances.
In this quote, Ambrose Bierce defines pity as a kind of emotional response that arises not from true compassion but rather from an awareness of one's relative fortune or misfortune in comparison to others. The term suggests that pity is often superficial, as it is rooted in a personal assessment of one's life circumstances rather than a genuine connection to the pain or struggle of another individual.
In practice
In a discussion about social issues and empathy, one might reference this quote to illustrate the superficial nature of pity.
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.
God is the original, master forgiver. Each time we grope our reluctant way through the minor miracle of forgiving, we are imitating his style. I am not at all sure that any of us would have had imagination enough to see the possibilities in this way to heal the wrongs of this life had he not done it first.
The louder our world today is, the deeper God seems to remain in silence. Silence is the language of eternity; noise passes.
That which is now called natural philosophy, embracing the whole circle of science, of which astronomy occupies the chief place, is the study of the works of God, and of the power and wisdom of God in his works, and is the true theology.
I find myself increasingly shocked at the unthinking and automatic rubbishing of men which is now so part of our culture that it is hardly even noticed.
We want to make good time, but for us now this is measured with the emphasis on "good" rather than on "time".
When all other rights are taken away, the right of rebellion is made perfect.
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