# CCXXXIV explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ambrose Bierce.

## What happens

The chapter presents a concise aphorism asserting that intolerance is a natural and logical response to dissenting opinions, as such opinions inherently claim superior wisdom.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Self-Deception

The aphorism suggests that intolerance arises from the perceived assumption of superior wisdom in dissent, which can be seen as a form of self-deception or rationalization.

## Key lines

> Intolerance is natural and logical, for in every dissenting opinion lies an assumption of superior wisdom.

Being intolerant is a natural and reasonable response because any opinion that disagrees with yours implicitly claims to be wiser.

_The chapter's sole statement is paraphrased to clarify its logical argument about the nature of dissent and intolerance._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se/chapters/ccxxxiv
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se/chapters