Redefining misanthropy for a fresh generation. Standard posts begin with a definition from Ambrose Bierce's The Devil's Dictionary followed by a modern adjustment. Miscellany on Wednesday and storytelling on Saturday.
Friday, July 08, 2005
Conscience
Conscience, n. A morbid condition of the stomach, affecting the gray matter of the brain and producing a mental discord.
2005 Update: A mechanism for lacking what you find.
Hey man, enjoy the site...you shouls really look into getting you comments done by Haloscan though...they load faster and anyone can comment without having to have a blogger account.
Ben, welcome and thanks for the tip. I'd look into it except lately half the posts in the entire world seem to start with "&*^ing Haloscan!" I may wait. Meanwhile, people can comment as other or anonymous and put their names in the comment.
Sar, sentenced by psyche and executed by memory?
Haha, Tan Lucy. Good one. You're right, too: Evangelists always make me want to do wrong and nasty people always inspire me to behave. The tension can be almost unbearable. That's what keeps me out of the midnight mission.
It shrinks as you learn to lie better. By an early age, some kids barely have one left. I've heard some real whoppers from four year olds. I've also seen four year olds kill without remorse (poor little snail - smash!) and find pleasure in torturing others (Molly, honey, kitty doesn't like it when you poke his eyes with the umbrella.)
What's a conscience thing I keep hearing about? If the prefix "con" means "against", and "science" represents reason...doesn't it translate to "bad science" or "against reason"?
a4g, I don't think you qualify as a lurker. I recall your leaving good comments here a month or so back. I take your comment as "I volunteer to write a guest definition at some point in the future." And thanks for the kind words.
How about the stupid thing that hurts when everything else feels soooo good
ReplyDeleteManjusha, you should have that checked.
ReplyDeleteHey man, enjoy the site...you shouls really look into getting you comments done by Haloscan though...they load faster and anyone can comment without having to have a blogger account.
ReplyDeleteConscience: defendant on trial, judged by gut.
ReplyDeleteThe discord caused by having Little Bar of Soap on one shoulder, Ask the Devil on the other.
ReplyDeleteBen, welcome and thanks for the tip. I'd look into it except lately half the posts in the entire world seem to start with "&*^ing Haloscan!" I may wait. Meanwhile, people can comment as other or anonymous and put their names in the comment.
ReplyDeleteSar, sentenced by psyche and executed by memory?
Haha, Tan Lucy. Good one. You're right, too: Evangelists always make me want to do wrong and nasty people always inspire me to behave. The tension can be almost unbearable. That's what keeps me out of the midnight mission.
The science of conning oneself
ReplyDeleteSociety's attempt to keep the exceptional in line.
ReplyDeleteDoug - nicely done!
ReplyDeleteIcy, you mean like telling yourself you're a dog?
ReplyDeleteGnat, nice to see you back by. I don't know why society would bother, they usually die young anyhow.
Thanks, Sar. Well done to you and Strider today, too! Last I checked you had enough cards on your site to play Bid Wist.
Thanks, Actonbell. Cat gave back the mouse?
ReplyDeleteNice work today.
ReplyDeleteYou get an A-.
That is really an A, but if one gives A's too often no one will work hard enough.
Thanks, Alice. I actually just got back from Wonderland or not. A- is more than generous. Give me an A I'll think you owe money.
ReplyDeleteconscience: n., archaic. Primitive instrument of justice, replaced by litigation.
ReplyDeleteDepending upon your perspective, either the enemy or enema of modern American life.
ReplyDeleteWeirsdo, I didn't know you were an employer too.
ReplyDeleteCA, I think enema, because both are sorely intrusive.
It shrinks as you learn to lie better.
ReplyDeleteBy an early age, some kids barely have one left.
I've heard some real whoppers from four year olds.
I've also seen four year olds kill without remorse (poor little snail - smash!) and find pleasure in torturing others (Molly, honey, kitty doesn't like it when you poke his eyes with the umbrella.)
What's a conscience thing I keep hearing about? If the prefix "con" means "against", and "science" represents reason...doesn't it translate to "bad science" or "against reason"?
ReplyDelete)+(
Jamie Dawn, apparently it isn't inheritable.
ReplyDeleteGabriel, you know perfectly well that "con" means with. But, maybe.
a4g, I love it. Sounds like Bierce.
ReplyDeleteYeah...a4g nailed it. I concede.
ReplyDelete)+(
Gabriel, very gracious.
ReplyDeletea4g, I don't think you qualify as a lurker. I recall your leaving good comments here a month or so back. I take your comment as "I volunteer to write a guest definition at some point in the future." And thanks for the kind words.