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.
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Disobey
Disobey, v.t. To celebrate with an appropriate ceremony the maturity of a command.
His right to govern me is clear as day, My duty manifest is to disobey; And if that fit observance e'er I shun May I and duty be alike undone.
-Israfel Brown.
2006 Update: To substitute one's resentment for another's malice.
Disobey, v.t. (1.)Identifying primal instinct compulsion of the sub-group Humanus Misanthropicus. Reference genus of lemming for similiar specie specific behavior. (2.) Reggae reference to the Port of Montego.
Disobey,v.t., 1. To view an order as advice. Oscar Wilde said the only thing to do with good advice is to pass it on; it is never of any use to oneself. 2. To protest the order of a fool. 3. To act as if one were free.
The urge to disobey is so universal and its practice so enjoyable, that it must be a sin.
AP3, it's nice to see you bright and early. Don't mind the Una, I was afraid if Goa'uld stopped tending her blog that he might escape. He's not dangerous, he just takes things sort of literal.
Duxfine, I love Humanus Misanthropicus. First time I ever wanted to join a species other that Canis Mendicantus, Equus Gothicus, or Homo Euspiritus.
TLP, I love your third definition. If God had not meant us to be disobedient, how come there's government?
Well, then, Jenna, I guess I believe your first comment.
Dddragon, Goa'ulds choose their time to strike as I understand it. Just as Unas choose when and where to give wedgies. That's funny about the rouge. That TLP!
Sar, clever Belles know clever Dddragons. Survival requires it.
This just makes me want to say something ... bad. I'm in that kind of mood anyway. You know the mood: "black." "no, white." I think the best disobedience is in the mind, kind of a Gandhi-esque resistance kind of thing. I need to think about this some more. xoxo
Cowgirl, my grandfather, were he still alive would be pleased to tell you he was a "hell of a football player" for Springfield High. Me, no. The closest I've lived is Lone Tree, IA.
Mireille, sorry for your mood, but it would be more socially acceptable if you grumped in Shakespearean tones.
Icy, yes. And as an employee. Woof yourself, get back to work.
Help me out, a4g, I recognize the riddle of the sphinx and the twist but I'm having trouble making the "Disobey" connection.
"Laws control the lesser man. Right conduct controls the greater one." ~Chinese Proverb
"It is dangerous to be right in matters on which the established authorities are wrong." ~Voltaire
and one for good meassure and very fitting to our own time: "When leaders act contrary to conscience, we must act contrary to leaders." ~Veterans Fast for Life
Ok, so I hope I made up for my little immature refusal before :)
Coincidently....the history of our human race, apparentlty, started with a single act of dis-obedience (by a female -thank you very much!-) and it gave us reason and freedom. Something to think about I thought! Well, never you mind!
Just getting home from a looong meeting and reading today's word makes it reeaaaallly tempting to break your non-profanity rule. But being the angel that I am, I will refrain from disobeying and simply wish you a happy Ides Eve!
I'm first! My brain is fried, but I'm first!
ReplyDeleteDisobey, v.t. (1.)Identifying primal instinct compulsion of the sub-group Humanus Misanthropicus. Reference genus of lemming for similiar specie specific behavior. (2.) Reggae reference to the Port of Montego.
ReplyDeleteDisobey, v.t.,
ReplyDelete1. To view an order as advice. Oscar Wilde said the only thing to do with good advice is to pass it on; it is never of any use to oneself.
2. To protest the order of a fool.
3. To act as if one were free.
The urge to disobey is so universal and its practice so enjoyable, that it must be a sin.
MMMMMMMMMMM! Fried braaaaaaaaaaaiiiinnnnnn!!!!!
ReplyDeleteAP3, it's nice to see you bright and early. Don't mind the Una, I was afraid if Goa'uld stopped tending her blog that he might escape. He's not dangerous, he just takes things sort of literal.
ReplyDeleteDuxfine, I love Humanus Misanthropicus. First time I ever wanted to join a species other that Canis Mendicantus, Equus Gothicus, or Homo Euspiritus.
TLP, I love your third definition. If God had not meant us to be disobedient, how come there's government?
Una, back to the pit! I mean it! OW!
there's no point in you telling me dis and dat, because i just won't do it. with dat, i disappear
ReplyDeleteoh, and Doug's got a typo!
Disobey: Enhancing to the appeal of Hollywood's bad boys. Whereas the leader of the free world - not so much.
ReplyDeleteTo behave in the manner of my children....or dog.
ReplyDeleteOr in my case, disobey!
to act in the only logical manner given one's superior knowledge, judgement or experience.
Karma, dat was cutting and pasting from the online Devil's Dictionary. Disappointing. (and thanks)
ReplyDeleteSar, I didn't even think of the NSA until reading your comment. That's why you're the Belle of the Brawl.
Logo, most children and all dogs. I, on the other hand, am very obedient.
Disobey?
ReplyDeleteWhat is this strange foreign word?
Have never heard of it. Have never done it. Nope. I'm a good girl I am. Never ever ever have I disobeyed...anyone.
Disobey-having a better idea first.
ReplyDeleteJenna, which of your parents told you to write erotic literature?
ReplyDeleteCowgirl, I feel that way about gravity and aging.
Brilliant, Masil!
They never told me not to Doug!
ReplyDelete"I promise to love, honor and disobey ..."
ReplyDeletelol - TLP warned Nod that there were no returns once the ceremony was over! Then she offered him rouge because he was so pale.
And I may be part of the lack of Goa'uld entries. I keep saying "you could blog about that" and then she growls at me.
3D - do you realize your last paragraph completely lends itself to today's word? Clever dragon.
ReplyDeleteWell, then, Jenna, I guess I believe your first comment.
ReplyDeleteDddragon, Goa'ulds choose their time to strike as I understand it. Just as Unas choose when and where to give wedgies. That's funny about the rouge. That TLP!
Sar, clever Belles know clever Dddragons. Survival requires it.
This just makes me want to say something ... bad. I'm in that kind of mood anyway. You know the mood: "black." "no, white." I think the best disobedience is in the mind, kind of a Gandhi-esque resistance kind of thing. I need to think about this some more. xoxo
ReplyDeleteIs your def based on your expreience as a boss? Just kidding. Woofy!
ReplyDeleteCowgirl, my grandfather, were he still alive would be pleased to tell you he was a "hell of a football player" for Springfield High. Me, no. The closest I've lived is Lone Tree, IA.
ReplyDeleteMireille, sorry for your mood, but it would be more socially acceptable if you grumped in Shakespearean tones.
Icy, yes. And as an employee. Woof yourself, get back to work.
Help me out, a4g, I recognize the riddle of the sphinx and the twist but I'm having trouble making the "Disobey" connection.
You mustn't disobey the Lord or you'll go to H-E-double toothpick!
ReplyDeleteDisobey, disobey baby, disobey, disobey
ReplyDeleteHow can you resist
the pleasure withing the risk?
‘Cause misbehaviour
could be your saviour
You always say;
‘Keep your head above water!’
Well I’ve tried,
but I want to know what the world looks like from below
Disobey, disobey, baby, disobey, disobey no
I simply won´t comment.
ReplyDeleteHeaven forfend, Soapy!
ReplyDeleteFrom below, it ain't bad, Shayna.
Minka, young lady, you come back here and comment this minute!
Actonbell, that's supposed to be a recommendation. I don't obey those either.
If their weren't so many rules, there wouldn't be so much disobedience.
ReplyDeleteAnarchy for all!!
I am so sorry, don´t know what´s gotten into me!
ReplyDeletedisobey:
"Laws control the lesser man. Right conduct controls the greater one." ~Chinese Proverb
"It is dangerous to be right in matters on which the established authorities are wrong." ~Voltaire
and one for good meassure and very fitting to our own time:
"When leaders act contrary to conscience, we must act contrary to leaders." ~Veterans Fast for Life
Ok, so I hope I made up for my little immature refusal before :)
Coincidently....the history of our human race, apparentlty, started with a single act of dis-obedience (by a female -thank you very much!-) and it gave us reason and freedom. Something to think about I thought! Well, never you mind!
ReplyDeleteDis O Boat
ReplyDeleteDis O fish
and
Dis O bay
judicious disobedience can separate the ordinary from the extra-ordinary.
ReplyDelete(kyahgirl)
Disobey~ What Lil' BoheMiand do best I am afraid... *sigh*
ReplyDeleteThat's "BoheMians"...
ReplyDeleteJamie Dawn, when did you look in my kitchen?
ReplyDeleteWhat a woman gives, a woman can take away, Minka.
Dis O House, Kelley Bell, yes ma'am.
Amen, Kyahgirl, and the humble from the headless.
Miz B, where would that child have learned intransigence? Must be a mutant.
Just getting home from a looong meeting and reading today's word makes it reeaaaallly tempting to break your non-profanity rule. But being the angel that I am, I will refrain from disobeying and simply wish you a happy Ides Eve!
ReplyDeletegood thing I'm last because I have no idea here.
ReplyDeletedisobey..........when the dog poops on the oriental rug I guess.
I think you want us all to write a new definition for disobey, but I'm not going to!
ReplyDeleteSquaregirl, in your circumstances some cussing would be appropriate. Besides that rule applies to Wednesday guests not daily commenters.
ReplyDeleteCooper, it depends on if you told the dog to go there.
Not to fear, Indie. My dictionary has your picture by that word.
Principled willfulness that covers the gamut from peevishness to heroism.
ReplyDeletedisobedience?- human nature
ReplyDelete" nobody's perfect"
All of your comments are a big help on my research..
ReplyDeleteT.Y.
=p