Ancient Quote by Ambrose Bierce
“PLEBEIAN, n. An ancient Roman who in the blood of his country stained nothing but his hands. Distinguished from the Patrician, who was a saturated solution.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Devil's Dictionary, 1906
A plebeian is a common citizen whose only stain is his own blood, unlike a patrician who is a diluted mixture of power.
In simple terms: Common people bear personal responsibility; elites are diluted by privilege.
Key Takeaway
Recognize personal accountability over inherited status.
Themes
responsibility
class
identity
history
politics
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
aphilosophical
satirical
When to use this quote
- political discourse
- education
- community building
- personal development
- public speaking
Key Concepts
social hierarchy
personal agency
Questions to Reflect On
- How does personal responsibility differ from systemic privilege?
- What does “saturated solution” imply about power?
A Different Perspective
The metaphor may oversimplify complex social structures.
![“The emancipation of the scholars and scientists from philosophy is according to [Nietzsche] only a part of the democratic movement, i.e. of the emancipation of the low from subordination to the high. ... The plebeian character of the contemporary scholar or scientist is due to the fact that he has…” quote by Leo Strauss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/76a/leo-strauss-12446_character_the-emancipation-of-the-scholars-and-sci_389563.jpg)
