"Ability is commonly found to consist mainly in a high degree of solemnity"

This quote by Ambrose Bierce recommends that the capability to be successful in life is typically connected to a person's level of severity. Bierce implies that those who take life seriously and are solemn in their approach to it are most likely to be successful than those who are more carefree and do not have a sense of solemnity. This might be translated as a cautioning to those who are too relaxed in their technique to life, as they might not be able to achieve their goals. Bierce's quote might also be seen as a pointer to those who are too major and solemn in their technique to life, as they may be losing out on the delights of life. Eventually, Bierce's quote suggests that a balance in between seriousness and joy is the crucial to success.