The Devil's Dictionary is a satirical dictionary written by Ambrose Bierce (1842-c.1914, caricatured above by David Levine). Bierce was an American author who began the book as a newspaper serial. First published in 1906 as The Cynic's Word Book, it was retitled in 1911, using the name we know it by today, which is the title that Bierce preferred. Some of the definitions have not aged all that well, but many have.
LIFE,
n. A spiritual pickle preserving the body from decay. We live in daily
apprehension of its loss; yet when lost it is not missed. The question,
"Is life worth living?" has been much discussed; particularly by those
who think it is not, many of whom have written at great length in
support of their view and by careful observance of the laws of health
enjoyed for long terms of years the honors of successful controversy.
