"Rum, n. Generically, fiery liquors that produce madness in total abstainers"

This quote by Ambrose Bierce is an amusing take on the impacts of alcohol. He is suggesting that those who do not drink alcohol, or "total abstainers," will end up being "mad" if they consume it. This is a recommendation to the envigorating results of alcohol, which can lead to impaired judgement and habits. Bierce is implying that alcohol can have an effective result on those who are not used to it, and that it ought to be consumed in small amounts. He is likewise recommending that alcohol is a generic term for a variety of "fiery liquors," which can vary from beer to bourbon to rum. This quote is a suggestion that alcohol can have a powerful effect on the body and mind, and must be consumed responsibly.