# CLVII explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ambrose Bierce.

## What happens

The chapter reflects on the variability of convictions, suggesting that rigid consistency can lead to dishonesty.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Self-Deception

The chapter argues that unwavering consistency may itself be a form of dishonesty, highlighting the tension between moral rigidity and truth.

## Key lines

> Convictions are variable; to be always consistent is to be sometimes dishonest.

Beliefs change over time, and insisting on never changing your stance can lead to being untruthful.

_The chapter's central aphorism challenges the virtue of consistency._

## Links

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