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GEOLOGY, n. The science of the earth's crust --to which…

“GEOLOGY, n. The science of the earth's crust --to which, doubtless, will be added that of its interior whenever a man shall come up garrulous out of a well. The geological formations of the globe already noted are catalogued thus: The Primary, or lower one, consists of rocks, bones or mired mules…” quote by Ambrose Bierce
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““GEOLOGY, n. The science of the earth's crust --to which, doubtless, will be added that of its interior whenever a man shall come up garrulous out of a well. The geological formations of the globe already noted are catalogued thus: The Primary, or lower one, consists of rocks, bones or mired mules, gas-pipes, miners' tools, antique statues minus the nose, Spanish doubloons and ancestors. The Secondary is largely made up of red worms and moles. The Tertiary comprises railway tracks, patent pavements, grass, snakes, mouldy boots, beer bottles, tomato cans, intoxicated citizens, garbage, anarchists, snap-dogs and fools.””

Ambrose Bierce

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Satirically defines geology as a catalog of human waste and folly, mocking scientific pretensions.

In simple terms: Geology humorously listed as trash.

Key Takeaway

Critique pretentious expertise.

Themes

satire science human folly

Mood

witty critical

Type

satirical humorous

When to use this quote

  • academic discourse
  • everyday observations
  • humor writing

Key Concepts

irony social critique

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does labeling waste as geology reveal?
  • How does satire expose arrogance?
A Different Perspective

May offend geologists.

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