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Anachronism Quote by Ambrose Bierce

“A subsidiary Deity designed to catch the overflow and surplus of the world's worship . . . . [H]is master works for the means wherewith to purchase the idle wag of the Solomonic tail, seasoned with a look of tolerant recognition.” quote by Ambrose Bierce
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“A subsidiary Deity designed to catch the overflow and surplus of the world's worship . . . . [H]is master works for the means wherewith to purchase the idle wag of the Solomonic tail, seasoned with a look of tolerant recognition.”

Ambrose Bierce

About This Quote

Source Essay: "The Devil's Dictionary", 1906

A satirical deity captures excess worship, mocking materialism and human folly.

In simple terms: A fake god mocks excess worship.

Key Takeaway

Question the value of blind devotion.

Themes

satire religion materialism

Mood

critical wry

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • political discourse
  • religious debate
  • literary analysis

Key Concepts

irony social critique

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does “idle wag” symbolize?
  • How does satire reveal societal flaws?
A Different Perspective

Satire may be misunderstood as literal.

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