"If you want to read a perfect book there is only one way: write it."

Ambrose Bierce Literature See all quotes by Ambrose Bierce →

React to this quote

More by Ambrose Bierce

“Mayonnaise, n. One of the sauces that serve the French in place of a state religion.”

“Conservative, n. A statesman enamored of existing evils, as opposed to a Liberal, who wants to replace them with others.”

“Politics, n. A strife of interests masquerading as a contest of principles. The conduct of public affairs for private advantage.”

“Cannon, n. An instrument employed in the rectification of national boundaries.”

“Resign, v. To renounce an honor for an advantage. To renounce an advantage for a greater advantage.”

“An army's bravest men are its cowards. The death which they would not meet at the hands of the enemy they will meet at the hands of their officers, with never a flinching.”

Resonant Thoughts

"There is a law higher than men can make. The facts as they exist in this poor world -- the absolute consequences of certain acts -- they are above all. And this higher law is the breath of progress, t…"

— Robert G. Ingersoll

Law1833–1899

#freedom

"But what has made this problem special for amateurs is that there's a tiny possibility that there does exist an elegant 17th-century proof."

— Andrew Wiles

Mathematics1953

#beauty

"What made a big difference was the open door policy we had. Anyone who wanted to come backstage could, and it was never a problem. I don't know whether other bands did that. It was good for us to meet…"

— Paul Simonon

Music1955

#knowledge

"There is another objection to the Suffern's or Pompton position, which is, the advantage it gives the enemy of dividing our attention, by taking post at King's Ferry. It will be impossible for us to d…"

— Nathanael Greene

Military1742–1786

#friendship