THEOSOPHY, n. An ancient faith having all the certitude of religion and all the mystery of science.
Interpretation
Theosophy combines elements of religious belief and scientific inquiry, presenting a worldview that acknowledges both certainty and mystery.
In this quote, Ambrose Bierce highlights the unique characteristics of Theosophy as a belief system that embodies the unwavering faith typically found in religion, while also embracing the enigmatic nature of scientific exploration. It suggests that the pursuit of spiritual and philosophical understanding involves both conviction and contemplation of the unknown.
In practice
In a discussion on the intersection of belief and knowledge, this quote can remind people of the balance between faith and inquiry.
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.
So the darkness shall be the light, and the stillness the dancing.
A man is sorry to be honest for nothing.
It is not our sexual preferences, the color of our skin, the language we speak, nor the religion we practice that creates friction, hatred and wars amongst in society. It is our words and the words of our leaders that can create that disparity.
To become spiritual, you must die to self, and come alive in the Lord. Only then will the mysteries of God fall from your lips. To die to self through self-discipline causes suffering but brings you everlasting life.
Better to be a beggar in freedom than to be forced into compromises against my conscience.
I don't want you to praise me...Some praise me because I am a colored girl, and I don't want that kind of praise. I had rather you would point out my defects, for that will teach me something.
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