ABSOLUTE, adj. Independent, irresponsible. An absolute monarchy is one… — The Devil's Dictionary

The Devil's Dictionary — Ambrose Bierce

ABSOLUTE, adj. Independent, irresponsible. An absolute monarchy is one in which the sovereign does as he pleases so long as he pleases the assassins. Not many absolute monarchies are left, most of them having been replaced by limited monarchies, where the sovereign's power for evil (and for good) is greatly curtailed, and by republics, which are governed by chance.

Place: ¶38
License: Public domain · Source
The text is given as in the edition, unedited.

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