WIST Quotations

Bierce, Ambrose -- “Obstinate,” The Devil’s Dictionary (1911)

Dave — Tue, 28 Jan 2025 21:03:04 +0000

OBSTINATE, adj. Inaccessible to the truth as it is manifest in the splendor and stress of our advocacy.

Ambrose Bierce (1842–1914?) American writer and journalist
“Obstinate,” The Devil’s Dictionary (1911)

Originally published in the "Cynic's Word Book" column in the New York American (1904-10-05) and the "Cynic's Dictionary" column in the San Francisco Examiner (1904-10-31).

See "Resolute."

Sterne, Laurence -- Tristam Shandy, 1.17 (1759-67)

Dave — Wed, 02 Sep 2015 13:17:21 +0000

‘Tis known by the name of perseverance in a good cause — and of obstinacy in a bad one.

Laurence Sterne (1713–1786) Anglo-Irish novelist, Anglican clergyman
Tristam Shandy, 1.17 (1759-67)

See Browne.

Burgh, James -- The Dignity of Human Nature, Sec. 5 “Miscellaneous Thoughts on Prudence in Conversation” (1754)

Dave — Thu, 16 Oct 2014 12:07:16 +0000

There is no method more likely to cure passion and rashness, than the frequent and attentive consideration of one’s own weaknesses: this will work into the mind an habitual sense of the need one has of being pardoned, and will bring down the swelling pride and obstinacy of heart, which are the cause of hasty passion.

James Burgh (1714–1775) British politician and writer
The Dignity of Human Nature, Sec. 5 “Miscellaneous Thoughts on Prudence in Conversation” (1754)

Bierce, Ambrose -- “Resolute,” The Devil’s Dictionary (1911)

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 18:00:00 +0000

RESOLUTE, adj. Obstinate in a course that we approve.

Ambrose Bierce (1842–1914?) American writer and journalist
“Resolute,” The Devil’s Dictionary (1911)

Originally published in The Devil's Dictionary [A-Z] as Vol. 7 of his Collected Works

See "Obstinate."