Freebooter, n. A conqueror in a small way of business, whose annexations lack of the sanctifying merit of magnitude.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Bierce defines a freebooter as a minor conqueror whose actions lack the significance that validates major conquests.
- In plain terms
- A freebooter is a small-time conqueror whose actions are less important than big wars.
- What can you take from it?
- History often glorifies large conquerors while ignoring smaller ones.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Does size matter in history?
- Who decides who is a hero?
Another view
This dismisses the real harm caused by small-scale conflicts.
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