--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: TAKE, v.t. To acquire, frequently by…" description: "\"TAKE, v.t. To acquire, frequently by force but preferably by stealth.\" — Ambrose Bierce" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/20a/ambrose-bierce-140_acquire_take-v-t-to-acquire-frequently-by-force_420415.jpg" --- # TAKE, v.t. To acquire, frequently by force but preferably… ![“TAKE, v.t. To acquire, frequently by force but preferably by stealth.” quote by Ambrose Bierce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/20a/ambrose-bierce-140_acquire_take-v-t-to-acquire-frequently-by-force_420415.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/20a/ambrose-bierce-140_acquire_take-v-t-to-acquire-frequently-by-force_420415.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/20a/ambrose-bierce-140_acquire_take-v-t-to-acquire-frequently-by-force_420415.jpg) > “TAKE, v.t. To acquire, frequently by force but preferably by stealth.” [Ambrose Bierce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ambrose-bierce/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Acquiring something by force or stealth emphasizes power over consent. **In simple terms:** Taking often means using force or secrecy. Key Takeaway Consider ethical means of acquisition. Themes power ethics acquisition Mood cautious critical Type advice philosophical When to use this quote - business negotiations - political strategy - personal relationships - conflict resolution Key Concepts Moral philosophy social dynamics Questions to Reflect On - Is the goal worth the means? - How does stealth affect moral judgment? A Different Perspective Forceful taking can damage trust and reputation. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Inspirational](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/inspirational/) [Love](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/love/) [Stealth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/stealth/) ## Related quotes > [On the quality of life: #1. Realize that each human being has a built-in capacity for recuperation and repair. #2. Recognize that the quality…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/norman-cousins/on-the-quality-of-life-1-realize-that-each-human-being-has-a-built-in/) [Norman Cousins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/norman-cousins/) > [“F-35C & The South China Sea... Now what could possibly go wrong with that combination? I guess China will now be looking for that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anthony-t-hincks/f-35c-the-south-china-sea-now-what-could-possibly-go-wrong-with-that/) [Anthony T. Hincks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anthony-t-hincks/) > [The secretiveness. The stealth. Those were obviously the aspects of cocaine use I was addicted to.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-carlin/the-secretiveness-the-stealth-those-were-obviously-the-aspects-of/) [George Carlin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-carlin/) > [I've always said fantasy is sort of 'stealth philosophy'.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/terry-goodkind/i-ve-always-said-fantasy-is-sort-of-stealth-philosophy/) [Terry Goodkind](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/terry-goodkind/) > [Even thus last night, and two nights more I lay, And could not win thee, Sleep, by any stealth: So do not let me…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-wordsworth/even-thus-last-night-and-two-nights-more-i-lay-and-could-not-win-thee/) [William Wordsworth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-wordsworth/) > [You want stealth? Be a rogue in 'World of Warcraft'.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-romero/you-want-stealth-be-a-rogue-in-world-of-warcraft/) [John Romero](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-romero/) > [Since thy return, through days and weeks Of hope that grew by stealth, How many wan and faded cheeks Have kindled into health! The…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-wordsworth/since-thy-return-through-days-and-weeks-of-hope-that-grew-by-stealth/) [William Wordsworth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-wordsworth/) > [Ah! what is human life? How, like the dial's tardy-moving shade, Day after day slides from us unperceiv'd! The cunning fugitive is swift by…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-young/ah-what-is-human-life-how-like-the-dial-s-tardy-moving-shade-day/) [Edward Young](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-young/) > [Let there be no doubt. Alien technology harvested from the infamous saucer crash in Roswell, N.Mex., in July 1947 led directly to the development…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/philip-j-corso/let-there-be-no-doubt-alien-technology-harvested-from-the-infamous/) [Philip J. Corso](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/philip-j-corso/) > [ For the production of man a different apprenticeship \[from forests\] was needed to sharpen the wits and quicken the higher manifestations of intellect -… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/raymond-dart/for-the-production-of-man-a-different-apprenticeship-from-forests-was/) Raymond Dart > [Stealth is important when you're fishing.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paul-whitehouse/stealth-is-important-when-you-re-fishing/) [Paul Whitehouse](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paul-whitehouse/) > [As Charles Lamb says, there is nothing so nice as doing good by stealth and being found out by accident, so I now say…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-james/as-charles-lamb-says-there-is-nothing-so-nice-as-doing-good-by/) [William James](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-james/) > [“I distrust official charity. All charity should be done by stealth.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/romain-rolland/i-distrust-official-charity-all-charity-should-be-done-by-stealth/) [Romain Rolland](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/romain-rolland/) > [In art and dream may you proceed with abandon. In life may you proceed with balance and stealth.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/patti-smith/in-art-and-dream-may-you-proceed-with-abandon-in-life-may-you-proceed/) [Patti Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/patti-smith/) > [“Word hard, work smart but no matter you do, work in silence. Great battles were won with stealth.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/arshad-wahedna/word-hard-work-smart-but-no-matter-you-do-work-in-silence-great/) [Arshad Wahedna](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/arshad-wahedna/) ## More by Ambrose Bierce > [OBSESSED, p.p. Vexed by an evil spirit, like the Gadarene swine and other critics. Obsession was once more common than it is now. Arasthus…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ambrose-bierce/obsessed-p-p-vexed-by-an-evil-spirit-like-the-gadarene-swine-and/) [Ambrose Bierce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ambrose-bierce/) > [DECIDE, v.i. To succumb to the preponderance of one set of influences over another set.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ambrose-bierce/decide-v-i-to-succumb-to-the-preponderance-of-one-set-of-influences/) [Ambrose Bierce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ambrose-bierce/) > [IMMORAL, adj. Inexpedient. Whatever in the long run and with regard to the greater number of instances men find to be generally inexpedient comes…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ambrose-bierce/immoral-adj-inexpedient-whatever-in-the-long-run-and-with-regard-to/) [Ambrose Bierce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ambrose-bierce/) > [REVIEW, v.t. To set your wisdom (holding not a doubt of it./ Although in truth there's neither bone nor skin to it)/ At work…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ambrose-bierce/review-v-t-to-set-your-wisdom-holding-not-a-doubt-of-it-although-in/) [Ambrose Bierce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ambrose-bierce/) > [CLOCK, n. A machine of great moral value to man, allaying his concern for the future by reminding him what a lot of time…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ambrose-bierce/clock-n-a-machine-of-great-moral-value-to-man-allaying-his-concern/) [Ambrose Bierce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ambrose-bierce/) > [RUBBISH, n. Worthless matter, such as the religions, philosophies, literatures, arts and sciences of the tribes infesting the regions lying due south from Boreaplas.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ambrose-bierce/rubbish-n-worthless-matter-such-as-the-religions-philosophies/) [Ambrose Bierce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ambrose-bierce/) > [There was never a genius who was not thought a fool until he disclosed himself; whereas he is a fool then only.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ambrose-bierce/there-was-never-a-genius-who-was-not-thought-a-fool-until-he/) [Ambrose Bierce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ambrose-bierce/) > [Telephone, n. An invention of the devil which abrogates some of the advantages of making a disagreeable person keep his distance.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ambrose-bierce/telephone-n-an-invention-of-the-devil-which-abrogates-some-of-the/) [Ambrose Bierce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ambrose-bierce/) > [WHANGDEPOOTENAWAH, n. In the Ojibwa tongue, disaster; an unexpected affliction that strikes hard.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ambrose-bierce/whangdepootenawah-n-in-the-ojibwa-tongue-disaster-an-unexpected/) [Ambrose Bierce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ambrose-bierce/) > [Jealous, adj. Unduly concerned about the preservation of that which can be lost only if not worth keeping.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ambrose-bierce/jealous-adj-unduly-concerned-about-the-preservation-of-that-which-can/) [Ambrose Bierce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ambrose-bierce/) > [RIDICULE, n. Words designed to show that the person of whom they are uttered is devoid of the dignity of character distinguishing him who…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ambrose-bierce/ridicule-n-words-designed-to-show-that-the-person-of-whom-they-are/) [Ambrose Bierce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ambrose-bierce/) > [Think twice before you speak to a friend in need](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ambrose-bierce/think-twice-before-you-speak-to-a-friend-in-need/) [Ambrose Bierce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ambrose-bierce/) > [HERMIT, n. A person whose vices and follies are not sociable.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ambrose-bierce/hermit-n-a-person-whose-vices-and-follies-are-not-sociable/) [Ambrose Bierce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ambrose-bierce/) > [TARIFF, n. A scale of taxes on imports, designed to protect the domestic producer against the greed of his consumer.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ambrose-bierce/tariff-n-a-scale-of-taxes-on-imports-designed-to-protect-the-domestic/) [Ambrose Bierce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ambrose-bierce/) > [A bad marriage is like an electrical thrilling machine: it makes you dance, but you can't let go.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ambrose-bierce/a-bad-marriage-is-like-an-electrical-thrilling-machine-it-makes-you/) [Ambrose Bierce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ambrose-bierce/) [Explore all 1,157 Ambrose Bierce quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ambrose-bierce/) ## More Acquire quotes > [Most people seek after what they do not possess and are enslaved by the very things they want to acquire.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anwar-sadat/most-people-seek-after-what-they-do-not-possess-and-are-enslaved-by/) [Anwar Sadat](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anwar-sadat/) > [ If the State does not acquire supremacy over \[vast private\] enterprises, it becomes their puppet, and they become the real State. ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bertrand-russell/if-the-state-does-not-acquire-supremacy-over-vast-private-enterprises/) [Bertrand Russell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bertrand-russell/) > [Humility is an elusive virtue. The more we pursue it - and the more we seem to acquire it - the more we take…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mike-aquilina/humility-is-an-elusive-virtue-the-more-we-pursue-it-and-the-more-we/) [Mike Aquilina](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mike-aquilina/) > [Acquire worldly wisdom and adjust your behavior accordingly. If your new behavior gives you a little temporary unpopularity with your peer group then to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charlie-munger/acquire-worldly-wisdom-and-adjust-your-behavior-accordingly-if-your/) [Charlie Munger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charlie-munger/) > [This was Shakespeare's form ; Who walk'd in every path of human life, Felt every passion ; and to all mankind Doth now, will…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mark-akenside/this-was-shakespeare-s-form-who-walk-d-in-every-path-of-human-life/) [Mark Akenside](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mark-akenside/) > [Wasn't Saddam destroyed? Wasn't Gaddafi liquidated? Didn't Milosevic go to the Hague? All true. But Stalin survived. Kim Jong-un isn't doing too badly, either…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-fisk/wasn-t-saddam-destroyed-wasn-t-gaddafi-liquidated-didn-t-milosevic-go/) [Robert Fisk](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-fisk/) > [The best way for women to acquire knowledge is from conversation with a father, a brother, or a friend, in the way of family…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anna-letitia-barbauld/the-best-way-for-women-to-acquire-knowledge-is-from-conversation-with/) [Anna Letitia Barbauld](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anna-letitia-barbauld/) > [Have you ever wanted something so badly that you would do anything, believe anything in order to acquire it?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lorraine-heath/have-you-ever-wanted-something-so-badly-that-you-would-do-anything/) [Lorraine Heath](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lorraine-heath/) > [Ballet is pure and demands that you serve something larger than yourself, whether it be beauty or art, or a combination of both. It…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/peter-martins/ballet-is-pure-and-demands-that-you-serve-something-larger-than/) Peter Martins > [You can't know it all. No matter how smart you are, no matter how comprehensive your education, no matter how wide ranging your experience,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/donald-trump/you-can-t-know-it-all-no-matter-how-smart-you-are-no-matter-how/) [Donald Trump](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/donald-trump/) > [A better distribution of incomes would increase that efficiency by diverting a great fund of wealth from the useless to the useful members of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/walter-lippmann/a-better-distribution-of-incomes-would-increase-that-efficiency-by/) [Walter Lippmann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/walter-lippmann/) > [I know well, Monsieur, how much you have to endure in your present duty, and I ask Our Lord to strengthen you in your…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vincent-de-paul/i-know-well-monsieur-how-much-you-have-to-endure-in-your-present-duty/) [Vincent de Paul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vincent-de-paul/) > [The enemy's spies who have come to spy on us must be sought out, tempted with bribes, led away and comfortably housed. Thus they…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sun-tzu/the-enemy-s-spies-who-have-come-to-spy-on-us-must-be-sought-out/) [Sun Tzu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sun-tzu/) > [In the late 1950s a major topic under discussion was whether Canada should acquire nuclear weapons.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-charles-polanyi/in-the-late-1950s-a-major-topic-under-discussion-was-whether-canada/) [John Charles Polanyi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-charles-polanyi/) > [Shamanism is a path of knowledge, not of faith, and that knowledge cannot come from me or anyone else in this reality. To acquire…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-harner/shamanism-is-a-path-of-knowledge-not-of-faith-and-that-knowledge/) [Michael Harner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-harner/) Browse all 1,020 Acquire quotes ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "TAKE, v.t. 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