Art Quote by Ambrose Bierce
“ART, n. This word has no definition. Its origin is related by the ingenious Father Gassalasca Jape as "One day a wag - what would the wretch be at? Shifted a letter of the cipher RAT, And said it was a god's name! . . ."”
About This Quote
Source Dictionary entry, 1900s, possibly a satirical lexicon
The definition humorously claims that the word “art” is undefined, tracing a mock etymology that reduces it to a mis‑read cipher, highlighting the absurdity of over‑analysis.
In simple terms: Art is undefinable; attempts to define it can be absurd.
Key Takeaway
Accept that some concepts resist precise definition.
Themes
satire
language
philosophy
Mood
witty
ironic
Type
satirical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- art criticism
- creative writing
- academic debate
- language studies
Key Concepts
definition
meaning
absurdity
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do we seek definitions for everything?
- Can art exist without a clear definition?
A Different Perspective
Might be misinterpreted as dismissive of art.
![“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](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/61a/ambrose-bierce-140_anachronism_a-subsidiary-deity-designed-to-catch-the_2124334.jpg)
