Ambrose Bierce on religion

Religion, n. A daughter of Hope and Fear, explaining to Ignorance the nature of the Unknowable.

~ Ambrose Bierce, The Devil's Dictionary (1906)

Ambrose Bierce on patriotism

Patriotism, n.  Combustible rubbish ready to the torch of any one ambitious to illuminate his name. In Dr. Johnson's famous dictionary patriotism is defined as the last resort of a scoundrel. With all due respect to an enlightened but inferior lexicographer I beg to submit it is the first.

~ Ambrose Bierce, The Devil's Dictionary (1906)

Ambrose Bierce on history

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

~ Ambrose Bierce, The Devil’s Dictionary (1906)

Ambrose Bierce on politics

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

~ Ambrose Bierce, The Devil's Dictionary (1906)