Related:

• INTRODUCTION, n. A social ceremony invented by the devil for the gratification of his servants and the plaguing of his enemies.
  The introduction attains its most malevolent development in this century, being, indeed, closely related to our political system....
• Self-Esteem: An erroneous appraisal. -- Ambrose Bierce, "The Devil's Dictionary
• MUGWUMP, n. In politics one afflicted with self-respect and addicted to the vice of independence.
  A term of contempt. -- Ambrose Bierce, "The Devil's Dictionary...
• INEXPEDIENT, adj. Not calculated to advance one's interests.
  -- Ambrose Bierce, "The Devil's Dictionary...
• Positive, adj.: Mistaken at the top of one's voice.
  -- Ambrose Bierce, The Devil's Dictionary...
• Positive, adj.: Mistaken at the top of one's voice.
  -- Ambrose Bierce, "The Devil's Dictionary...
• Be the first to say what is self-evident, and you are immortal. --M. Ebner-Eschenbach
• MATERIAL, adj. Having an actual existence, as distinguished from an imaginary one.
  Important. Material things I know, or fell, or see...