Advantage Quote by Ambrose Bierce
“GOOD, adj. Sensible, madam, to the worth of this present writer. Alive, sir, to the advantages of letting him alone.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Devil’s Dictionary, Ambrose Bierce, 1906
The definition satizes the absurdity of moral labels, suggesting that “good” is a subjective, often contradictory term.
In simple terms: Good is a contradictory, subjective label.
Key Takeaway
Question assumptions about moral terms.
Themes
satire
language
morality
relativism
Mood
wry
critical
Type
satirical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- literary analysis
- debate on ethics
- personal introspection
Key Concepts
semantic irony
social critique
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you use “good” to judge others?
- How does context change the meaning of “good”?
A Different Perspective
The term “good” can be weaponized to control behavior.
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