Bread Quote by Ambrose Bierce
“WHEAT, n. A cereal from which a tolerably good whisky can be made; . . . also for bread. The French are said to eat more bread "per capita" of population than any other people, which is natural, for only they know how to make the stuff palatable.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Devil's Dictionary, 1906
The quote humorously highlights wheat’s versatility, noting its role in both whisky and bread, and jokes about French culinary skill.
In simple terms: Wheat makes whisky and bread; French excel at making bread tasty.
Key Takeaway
Appreciate simple ingredients and cultural food habits.
Themes
food
culture
humor
language
history
Mood
playful
ironic
observational
Type
anecdotal
satirical
When to use this quote
- cooking
- brewing
- travel
- culinary tourism
Key Concepts
cultural commentary
culinary tradition
linguistic wit
Questions to Reflect On
- How does a staple food shape cultural identity?
- What other foods have unexpected uses?
A Different Perspective
The joke may oversimplify French diet and ignore other cultures’ bread traditions.
