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WEATHER, n. The climate of an hour. A permanent topic of…

“WEATHER, n. The climate of an hour. A permanent topic of conversation among persons whom it does not interest, but who have inherited the tendency to chatter about it from naked arboreal ancestors whom it keenly concerned. The setting up of official weather bureaus and their maintenance in…” quote by Ambrose Bierce
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“WEATHER, n. The climate of an hour. A permanent topic of conversation among persons whom it does not interest, but who have inherited the tendency to chatter about it from naked arboreal ancestors whom it keenly concerned. The setting up of official weather bureaus and their maintenance in mendacity prove that even governments are accessible to suasion by the rude forefathers of the jungle.”

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.

The quote mocks how people obsess over weather, a trivial matter, because of inherited habits from ancient ancestors, and how institutions exploit this.

In simple terms: People talk about weather out of habit, not interest.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and question pointless chatter.

Themes

habit social behavior communication politics culture

Mood

ironic critical skeptical

Type

satirical observational

When to use this quote

  • daily conversation
  • media commentary
  • policy discussions
  • education
  • social gatherings

Key Concepts

social conformity institutional manipulation anthropology

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why do we discuss weather so often?
  • How can we shift focus to meaningful topics?
A Different Perspective

It may overlook genuine climate concerns and scientific importance.

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