TRUST, n. In American politics, a large corporation composed in greater part of thrifty working men, widows of small means, orphans in the care of guardians and the courts, with many similar malefactors and public enemies.
Interpretation
This quote humorously critiques the nature of trust in American politics, suggesting that corporations often act against the public's interest while claiming to serve it.
Ambrose Bierce's definition of 'trust' in this quote highlights the irony in how large corporations, often seen as benefactors or protectors, can actually operate in ways that are detrimental to the very people they are purported to support. By describing trustworthy entities as comprised of 'thrifty working men' and 'widows of small means,' he underscores the exploitation and manipulation involved in politics, suggesting that trust may be misapplied in these contexts.
In practice
In a political debate, referencing this quote can highlight concerns about corporate influence.
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.
He mocks the people who proposes that the government shall protect the rich and that they in turn will care for the laboring poor.
If you ever injected truth into politics you have no politics.
Democracy is the most demanding of all forms of government in terms of the energy, imagination, and public spirit required of the individual.
There's an abiding interest by the United States, by the American people, and by anybody with his eyes set in his head, to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
The atrocities in Cambodia are a direct and understandable response to the violence of the imperial system.
Occupying armies have responsibilities, not rights. Their primary responsibility is to withdraw as quickly and expeditiously as possible, in a manner determined by the occupied population.
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