Carriages Quote by Ambrose Bierce
“MESMERISM, n. Hypnotism before it wore good clothes, kept a carriage and asked Incredulity to dinner.”
About This Quote
Source Literature: The Devil's Dictionary, 1906
Hypnotism is mocked as a dressed‑up version of old tricks, highlighting skepticism toward new fads.
In simple terms: Old tricks repackaged as new.
Key Takeaway
Question the novelty of popular trends.
Themes
skepticism
hypnotism
culture
language
humor
Mood
witty
satirical
Type
critical
humorous
When to use this quote
- medical claims
- self‑help fads
- political rhetoric
- marketing slogans
Key Concepts
social critique
linguistic play
historical perspective
Questions to Reflect On
- What modern practices might be dismissed similarly?
- When does skepticism become cynicism?
A Different Perspective
The definition is humorous and may dismiss genuine therapeutic uses.
