# CXXV explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ambrose Bierce.

## What happens

A single aphoristic statement comparing the defense of mediocrity to excusing theft by claiming robbery.

## Themes in this chapter

### Art and Criticism

The chapter contrasts mediocrity and genius, critiquing the logic of those who praise the former to offset criticism of the latter.

### Deception and Self-Deception

The analogy of pleading robbery to excuse theft suggests a self-deceptive or hypocritical justification.

## Key lines

> He who thinks that praise of mediocrity atones for disparagement of genius is like one who should plead robbery in excuse of theft.

Believing that complimenting average work makes up for insulting brilliance is as absurd as using a robbery as an excuse for a theft.

_The author condemns the false equivalence between praising mediocrity and criticizing genius._

## Links

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