“Perseverance, n. A lowly virtue whereby mediocrity achieves an inglorious success.”

— Ambrose Bierce, The Devil's Dictionary (1911)

About Ambrose Bierce

Born 1842

American satirist and journalist, author of "The Devil's Dictionary".

“When prosperous the fool trembles for the evil that is to come; in adversity the philosopher smiles for the good that he has had.”

“The gambling known as business looks with austere disfavor upon the business known as gambling.”

“Intolerance is natural and logical, for in every dissenting opinion lies an assumption of superior wisdom.”

Attribution note: Source disputed or unverified.

“Always forgive your enemies; nothing annoys them so much.”

“I can resist everything except temptation.”

“Experience is simply the name we give our mistakes.”

Attribution note: Source disputed or unverified.

“I have nothing to declare except my genius.”

“The report of my death was an exaggeration.”

“Men seldom make passes at girls who wear glasses.”