“ REVOLUTION, n. In politics, an abrupt change in the form of misgovernment. ”
Ambrose Bierce, The Devil's Dictionary (1906). copy citation
Author | Ambrose Bierce |
---|---|
Source | The Devil's Dictionary |
Topic | politics revolution misgovernment |
Date | 1906 |
Language | English |
Reference | |
Note | |
Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/972/972-h/972-h.htm |
Context
“
To set your wisdom (holding not a doubt of it, Although in truth there's neither bone nor skin to it) At work upon a book, and so read out of it The qualities that you have first read into it.
REVOLUTION, n. In politics, an abrupt change in the form of misgovernment. Specifically, in American history, the substitution of the rule of an Administration for that of a Ministry, whereby the welfare and happiness of the people were advanced a full half-inch. Revolutions are usually accompanied by a considerable effusion of blood, but are accounted worth it—this appraisement being made by beneficiaries whose blood had not the mischance to be shed.” source
To set your wisdom (holding not a doubt of it, Although in truth there's neither bone nor skin to it) At work upon a book, and so read out of it The qualities that you have first read into it.
REVOLUTION, n. In politics, an abrupt change in the form of misgovernment. Specifically, in American history, the substitution of the rule of an Administration for that of a Ministry, whereby the welfare and happiness of the people were advanced a full half-inch. Revolutions are usually accompanied by a considerable effusion of blood, but are accounted worth it—this appraisement being made by beneficiaries whose blood had not the mischance to be shed.” source