Animal Quote by Ambrose Bierce
“DOG, n. A kind of additional or subsidiary Deity designed to catch the overflow and surplus of the world's worship. This Divine Being in some of his smaller and silkier incarnations takes, in the affection of Woman, the place to which there is no human male aspirant. The Dog is a survival --an anachronism. He toils not, neither does he spin, yet Solomon in all his glory never lay upon a door-mat all day long, sun-soaked and fly-fed and fat, while his master worked for the means wherewith to purchase the idle wag of the Solomonic tail, seasoned with a look of tolerant recognition.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "The Devil's Dictionary", 1906
A satirical definition of a deity that represents excess worship and a passive, non‑productive role in society.
In simple terms: A mock‑god that catches surplus worship and does nothing.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and avoid empty, unproductive worship.
Themes
satire
religion
excess
passivity
Mood
ironic
critical
wry
Type
satirical
philosophical
commentary
When to use this quote
- religious rituals
- political propaganda
- consumer culture
- personal ambition
Key Concepts
mythology
social critique
iconoclasm
Questions to Reflect On
- What does it mean to worship without purpose?
- How can we channel excess energy constructively?
A Different Perspective
May overlook the value of genuine devotion and effort.
![“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)
