TRUTHFUL, adj. Dumb and illiterate.
Interpretation
The quote satirically defines 'truthful' as something that can be connected to ignorance, suggesting a deeper reflection on the nature of truth.
Ambrose Bierce's definition of 'truthful' as 'dumb and illiterate' presents a cynical view of honesty. By associating truthfulness with a lack of sophistication, Bierce challenges the reader to consider how truth can sometimes be simplistic or uninformed, highlighting the complexities and nuances that surround the concept of truth in society and communication.
In practice
In a debate, you might quote this to emphasize the complexities involved in discussing truth.
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.
Every man should lose a battle in his youth, so he does not lose a war when he is old.
No doubt another may also think for me; but it is not therefore desirable that he should do so to the exclusion of my thinking for myself.
Only a soul full of despair can ever attain serenity and, to be in despair, you must have loved a good deal and still love the world.
The constancy of sages is nothing but the art of locking up their agitation in their hearts.
The walls we build around us to keep sadness out also keeps out the joy.
Most of the stress people experience comes from inappropriately managed commitments they make or accept.
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