Patience, n. A minor form of despair, disguised as a virtue.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Patience is redefined as despair that people pretend is a good quality.
- In plain terms
- Waiting quietly is often just giving up hope but calling it a virtue.
- What can you take from it?
- Don't confuse waiting with acceptance.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is your patience real or forced?
- When do you give up?
Another view
It ignores genuine stoic patience.
More from Ambrose Bierce
Optimist, n. A proponent of the doctrine that black is white.
Permalink to quote #66 Philosophy, n. A route of many roads leading from nowhere to nothing.
Permalink to quote #68 Opposition, n. In politics the party that prevents the Government from running amok by hamstringing it.
Permalink to quote #65
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