Animal Quote by Ambrose Bierce
“Hippogriff, n. An animal (now extinct) which was half horse and half griffin. The griffin was itself a compound creature, half lion and half eagle. The hippogriff was actually, therefore, only one-quarter eagle, which is two dollars and fifty cents in gold. The study of zoology is full of surprises.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Devil’s Dictionary, 1906
A whimsical definition highlights absurdities in classification and the unexpected value of the mundane.
In simple terms: Humor reveals hidden truths.
Key Takeaway
Question assumptions about categories.
Themes
humor
language
philosophy
absurdity
critique
Mood
satirical
critical
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- Teaching language
- creative writing
- museum exhibit labeling
- product naming
Key Concepts
Lexicography
satire
cognitive bias
Questions to Reflect On
- How does satire change understanding?
- What can we learn from absurd classifications?
A Different Perspective
Humor may obscure serious critique.
![“During my second year at Edinburgh [1826-27] I attended Jameson's lectures on Geology and Zoology, but they were incredible dull. The sole effect they produced on me was the determination never as long as I lived to read a book on Geology.” quote by Charles Darwin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/42c/charles-darwin-507_biographies_during-my-second-year-at-edinburgh-1826_1350666.jpg)
