Ambrose Bierce Degree Quotations

renown, n. A degree of distinction between notoriety and fame - a little more supportable than the one and a little more intolerable than the other. Sometimes it is conferred by an unfriendly and inconsiderate hand.

Ability is commonly found to consist mainly in a high degree of solemnity.

The only distinction that democracies reward is a high degree of conformity.

Acquaintance: "A person whom we know well enough to borrow from, but not well enough to lend to. A degree of friendship called slight when its object is poor or obscure, and intimate when he is rich or famous.