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About this quote

What does it mean?
Bierce defines a road cynically as a path between two unpleasant states of being.
In plain terms
A road just connects two places that are equally unpleasant.
What can you take from it?
Movement doesn't always solve dissatisfaction.

Where it applies

  • seeking escape
  • feeling stuck
  • traveling

Putting it to work

  • reflecting on goals
  • accepting current state

Questions to consider

  • Where are you trying to go?
  • Is the destination worth the trip?

Another view

It ignores that journeys can lead to positive change.

More from Ambrose Bierce

  1. Resign, v. To renounce an honor for an advantage. To renounce an advantage for a greater advantage.

    Permalink to quote #75
  2. Sabbath, n. A weekly festival having its origin in the fact that God made the world in six days and was arrested on the seventh.

    Permalink to quote #77
  3. Religion, n. A daughter of Hope and Fear, explaining to Ignorance the nature of the Unknowable.

    Permalink to quote #74

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