"Absurdity, n.: A statement or belief manifestly inconsistent with one's own opinion"
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Ambrose Bierce's quote, "Absurdity, n.: A declaration or belief manifestly irregular with one's own opinion", offers a sharp, satirical commentary on humanity and the subjective nature of fact and logic. By specifying absurdity not as an intrinsic quality of an idea however as a relational one-- specifically its disparity with an individual's individual opinion-- Bierce points to the existential and frequently subjective basis upon which people judge concepts and beliefs.
This viewpoint recommends that what is considered absurd is not an objective reality but rather a label that shows individual biases and point of views. Bierce underscores the human propensity to concern our own beliefs and opinions as the basic or norm while dismissing varying deem not simply inaccurate however laughably unreasonable.
The quote implicitly critiques the frequently uncritical way people hold their viewpoints. By covering it in the guise of a dictionary definition, Bierce employs irony to expose how individuals, maybe unconsciously, elevate their personal views into universal truths. This mindset can lead to intellectual complacency, where one sees their viewpoint as foolproof, while any deviation is dismissed or mocked rather than evaluated or understood.
Moreover, this meaning encourages reflection on how the label of absurdity can be used both to marginalize dissenting views and to challenge dominating orthodoxies. It acknowledges the power characteristics involved in delineating what is thought about rational or illogical, rationalizing social, political, and intellectual conformity.
Therefore, Bierce's meaning of absurdity serves as a mirror showing the frequently approximate and egocentric nature of human judgments. It welcomes readers to reevaluate the basis of their convictions and to recognize the possibility of reason and validity in views outside their own. In doing so, it requires humbleness and openness in the face of the diverse tapestry of human thought and belief.
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