FRAUD, n. The life of commerce, the soul of religion, the bait of courtship, and the basis of political power.
Ambrose Bierce (1842–1914?) American writer and journalist
“Fraud,” “Devil’s Dictionary” column, San Francisco Wasp (1885-01-10)
(Source)
Not collected in later books.
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Knaves and Hipocrates see through the Whole sistem at once. I will take the People their own way says one of these, I will serve them without Pay, I will give them money, I will make them beleive that I am perfectly disinterested untill I gain their Confidence and exite their enthusiasm. then I will Carry that Confidence and Enthusiasm to markett and will sell it for more than all I give them, and all their Pay would have amounted to — si populus vult decipi decipiatur [if the people want to be deceived, they will be deceived].
John Adams (1735–1826) American lawyer, Founder, statesman; US President (1797–1801)
Letter (1785-09-10) to John Jebb
(Source)
Spelling as written by Adams.
