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.
Simplicity is about subtracting the obvious and adding the meaningful.
They say Princes learn no art truly, but the art of horsemanship. The reason is, the brave beast is no flatterer. He will throw a prince as soon as his groom.
'Tis not enough your counsel still be true; Blunt truths more mischief than nice falsehoods do.
Flint has the potential to produce fire, and gems have intrinsic value. We ordinary people can see neither our own eyelashes, which are so close, nor the heavens in the distance. Likewise, we do not see that the Buddha exists in our own hearts.
Solving problems should be a joy, a welcome challenge to our creativity.
Passion goes, Boredom remains.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.