Ambrose Bierce Quotes on Power
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Cannon, n. An instrument employed in the rectification of national boundaries.
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Defenceless, adj. Unable to attack.
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Freebooter, n. A conqueror in a small way of business, whose annexations lack of the sanctifying merit of magnitude.
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Friendless, adj. Having no favors to bestow. Destitute of fortune. Addicted to utterance of truth and common sense.
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Idiot, n. A member of a large and powerful tribe whose influence in human affairs has always been dominant and controlling. The Idiot's activity is not confined to any special field of thought or action, but 'pervades and regulates the whole.' He has the last word in everything; his decision is unappealable. He sets the fashions and opinion of taste, dictates the limitations of speech and circumscribes conduct with a dead-line.
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Justice, n. A commodity which in a more or less adulterated condition the State sells to the citizen as a reward for his allegiance, taxes and personal service.
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Marriage, n. The state or condition of a community consisting of a master, a mistress and two slaves, making in all, two.
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Opposition, n. In politics the party that prevents the Government from running amok by hamstringing it.
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Politics, n. A strife of interests masquerading as a contest of principles. The conduct of public affairs for private advantage.
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Vote, v. The instrument and symbol of a freeman's power to make a fool of himself and a wreck of his country.