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.
It doesn't matter where we begin the personal/political circle, but it matters desperately that we complete it.
As we speak, Iran has rolled back its nuclear program, shipped out its uranium stockpile, and the world has avoided another war.
Colombia has been the leading western recipient of U.S. arms and training as violence has grown through the '90s.
A politician, he knows that the majority cares little for ideals or integrity. What it craves is display.
I intend to talk about race during this election in the South because the Republicans have been talking about it since 1968 in order to divide us. And I'm going to bring us together. Because you know what? You know what? White folks in the South who drive pickup trucks with Confederate flag decals in the back ought to be voting with us and not them, because their kids don't have health insurance either and their kids need better schools too.
I think the 24-hour news cycle has helped exaggerate the differences between the parties. You can always find someone on TV somewhere carping about something. That didn't happen 20 years ago.
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