Books Quote by Ambrose Bierce
““PLATITUDE, n. The fundamental element and special glory of popular literature. A thought that snores in words that smoke. The wisdom of a million fools in the diction of a dullard. A fossil sentiment in artificial rock. A moral without the fable. All that is mortal of a departed truth. A demi-tasse of milk-and-mortality. The Pope's-nose of a featherless peacock. A jelly-fish withering on the shore of the sea of thought. The cackle surviving the egg. A desiccated epigram.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: "The Devil's Dictionary", 1906
Satirically defines "plitudeitude" as shallow, pretentious literature lacking substance
In simple terms: Critique of pretentious, empty writing
Key Takeaway
Seek depth and authenticity in writing
Themes
literature
satire
critique
Mood
wry
skeptical
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- book reviews
- creative writing workshops
- literary criticism
Key Concepts
semantic emptiness
cultural decay
Questions to Reflect On
- How can writers avoid empty rhetoric?
- What makes literature truly meaningful?
A Different Perspective
Some may argue that all art is subjective and value‑laden
