Quotation Details

Quotation #12242 from The Devil's Dictionary (Ambrose Bierce):

INCOMPOSSIBLE, adj. Unable to exist if something else exists. Two things are incompossible when the world of being has scope enough for one of them, but not enough for both -- as Walt Whitman's poetry and God's mercy to man. Incompossibility, it will be seen, is only incompatibility let loose. Instead of such low language as "Go heel yourself -- I mean to kill you on sight," the words, "Sir, we are incompossible," would convey and equally significant intimation and in stately courtesy are altogether superior.
Ambrose Bierce, The Devil's Dictionary
US author & satirist (1842 - 1914)  

Your Quotations Page

You must be a registered user to use this feature. Log in using the form to the left, or register as a new user.

Email this Quote to a Friend

You must be a registered user to use this feature. Log in using the form to the left, or register as a new user.