Ancient egyptian Quote by Ambrose Bierce
“MUMMY, n. An ancient Egyptian, formerly in universal use among modern civilized nations as medicine, and now engaged in supplying art with an excellent pigment. He is handy, too, in museums in gratifying the vulgar curiosity that serves to distinguish man from the lower animals. By means of the Mummy, mankind, it is said, Attests to the gods its respect for the dead. We plunder his tomb, be he sinner or saint, Distil him for physic and grind him for paint, Exhibit for money his poor, shrunken frame, And with levity flock to the scene of the shame. O, tell me, ye gods, for the use of my rhyme: For respecting the dead what's the limit of time? --Scopas Brune.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Devil's Dictionary, 1906
The quote mocks the exploitation of ancient mummies for profit and curiosity, highlighting moral decay in treating the dead as commodities.
In simple terms: People disrespect the dead for profit.
Key Takeaway
Respect the dead, limit exploitation.
Themes
ethics
respect for the dead
commercialization
cultural heritage
morality
Mood
critical
ironic
skeptical
Type
satirical
commentary
When to use this quote
- museum curation
- art supply
- pharmaceutical use
- tourism
- academic study
Key Concepts
exploitation
cultural commodification
human dignity
Questions to Reflect On
- What ethical lines should guide the use of human remains?
- How do we balance cultural heritage with scientific inquiry?
A Different Perspective
The quote may overgeneralize all mummy use as exploitative, ignoring respectful scientific study.
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