# CXXX explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ambrose Bierce.

## What happens

A brief aphorism suggesting that Expediency and Righteousness are closely related, either as father and son or as harmonious brothers.

## Themes in this chapter

### Hypocrisy and Corruption

The aphorism implies a close kinship between expediency and righteousness, hinting at the corruption of moral principles for practical gain.

### Deception and Self-Deception

The statement suggests that what is deemed righteous may merely be a guise for expedient actions, reflecting self-deception or societal hypocrisy.

## Key lines

> If Expediency and Righteousness are not father and son they are the most harmonious brothers that ever were seen.

Expediency and righteousness are so closely aligned that they might as well be family.

_The aphorism equates practical convenience with moral virtue, suggesting they are nearly indistinguishable._

## Links

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