We’ve shared a few Ambrose Bierce quotes before, but this week’s quotes are entirely devoted to his work “The Devil’s Dictionary”. If you’re not familiar with this 1881 work that foreshadowed the biting wit of 20th century figures like Dorothy Parker, Will Rogers, and H. L. Mencken, take a gander at the Wikipedia entry, peruse the online version at TheDevilsDictionary.com, or buy a copy for your bookshelf.

Absurdity, n. A statement or belief manifestly inconsistent with one’s own opinion.
- Ambrose Bierce

Acquaintance, n. A person whom we know well enough to borrow from, but not well enough to lend to.
- Ambrose Bierce

Admiration, n. Our polite recognition of another’s resemblance to ourselves.
- Ambrose Bierce

Alliance, n. In international politics, the union of two thieves who have their hands so deeply inserted in each other’s pockets that they cannot separately plunder a third.
- Ambrose Bierce

Architect, n. One who drafts a plan of your house, and plans a draft of your money.
- Ambrose Bierce

Barometer, n. An ingenious instrument which indicates what kind of weather we are having.
- Ambrose Bierce

Bigot, n. One who is obstinately and zealously attached to an opinion that you do not entertain.
- Ambrose Bierce

Bore, n. A person who talks when you wish him to listen.
- Ambrose Bierce

Brain, n. apparatus with which we think we think.
- Ambrose Bierce