Disappoint Quote by Ambrose Bierce
“PROPERTY, n. Any material thing, having no particular value, that may be held by A against the cupidity of B. Whatever gratifies the passion for possession in one and disappoints it in all others. The object of man's brief rapacity and long indifference.”
About This Quote
Property is a fleeting desire for ownership that satisfies the holder while leaving others unsatisfied, highlighting human greed and indifference.
In simple terms: Ownership is a paradoxical desire
Key Takeaway
Possession breeds both satisfaction and emptiness
Themes
property
greed
human nature
philosophy
transience
Mood
critical
cynical
Type
definition
philosophical
When to use this quote
- economic critique
- philosophical debate
- social commentary
- literary analysis
Key Concepts
materialism
indifference
Practical Applications
- examining consumer culture
- teaching ethical economics
Questions to Reflect On
- What does 'brief rapacity' reveal about human desire?
- Can we find value beyond material possession?
![“[Property] embraces everything to which a man may attach a value and have a right.” quote by James Madison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/252/james-madison-373_embrace_property-embraces-everything-to-which-a_2469303.jpg)
![“[Property] is a brilliant, chillingly revelatory piece of fiction, a work of craft, economy and such good merciless observation-one of those rare, crucial novels illuminating a history we think we know and understand so that after we've read it we'll never forget its truths.” quote by Ali Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/77d/ali-smith-1801_books_property-is-a-brilliant-chillingly-revel_218754.jpg)
