Barometer, n. An ingenious instrument which indicates what kind of weather we are having.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- A barometer is described as simply measuring current weather, not predicting it.
- In plain terms
- A barometer just tells you what weather you have now.
- What can you take from it?
- Instruments often report the status quo rather than the future.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is there value in knowing the present?
- What does this imply about measurement?
Another view
Barometers can predict weather trends, not just current state.
More from Ambrose Bierce
Back, n. That part of your friend which it is your privilege to contemplate in your adversity.
Permalink to quote #14 Bacchus, n. A convenient deity invented by the ancients as an excuse for getting drunk.
Permalink to quote #13 Brain, n. An apparatus with which we think what we think.
Permalink to quote #17
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