Ambrose Bierce

VALOR, n. A soldierly compound of vanity, duty and the gambler's hope.

VALOR, n. A soldierly compound of vanity, duty and the gambler's hope.

History: An account mostly false, of events mostly unimportant, which are brought about by rulers mostly knaves, and soldiers mostly read more

History: An account mostly false, of events mostly unimportant, which are brought about by rulers mostly knaves, and soldiers mostly fools.

For every man there is something in the vocabulary that would stick to him like a second skin. His enemies read more

For every man there is something in the vocabulary that would stick to him like a second skin. His enemies have only to find it.

... the patriotic art of lying for one's country.

... the patriotic art of lying for one's country.

Calamities are of two kinds. Misfortune to ourselves, and good fortune to others.

Calamities are of two kinds. Misfortune to ourselves, and good fortune to others.