Ambrose Bierce (1842-1914) was an American writer and journalist known for his cynical views on life and sharp, critical style of writing. After serving in the Civil War, he became a journalist in San Francisco and wrote short stories, essays, and his satirical dictionary "The Devil's Dictionary." In 1913, at age 71, Bierce traveled to Mexico to observe the revolution and vanished there, with his final fate remaining a mystery.

1. Ambrose Bierce (1842-1914) His personal and nihilistic motto was “Nothing Matters.” (from rjgeib.com) "Death is not the end," wrote Ambrose Bierce, "there remains litigation over the estate." "Bitter Bierce," as he was often called, was an unapologetic misanthrope who loathed humanity and took pleasure in deflating every inspiring myth or optimistic sentiment with a sharp comment.

2. With what anguish of mind I remember my childhood, Recalled in the light of a knowledge since gained; The malarious farm, the wet, fungus grown wildwood, The chills then contracted that since have remained. (from answers.com) Bierce wrote about his early years: Ambrose Bierce (1842-1914)

3. (from rjgeib.com) After serving in the Civil War -- and seeing up close the depths to which man could sink -- he became a journalist in San Francisco infamous for cutting one-liners and put-downs. He is famous for his short stories of war, horror, and the West (“Occurrence on Owl Creek Bridge”) as well as The Devil’s Dictionary. Ambrose Bierce (1842-1914)

4. The Devil’s Dictionary (selections) by Ambrose Bierce 1911 An irreverent collection of definitions and quotes

5. The Devil’s Dictionary selections) by Ambrose Bierce 1911 An irreverent collection of definitions and quotes POLITENESS, n. The most acceptable hypocrisy. ABSURDITY, n. A statement or belief manifestly inconsistent with one's own opinion. BORE, n.: A person who talks when you wish him to listen. BRAIN: an apparatus with which we think we think.

6. October 1913, at the age of seventy-one, Bierce decided to quit the United States and observe the Pancho Villa revolution in Mexico. Before leaving, he wrote the following letter to his niece Lora ("Carlt" is her husband, Carlton): Dear Lora, I go away tomorrow for a long time, so this is only to say good-bye. I think there is nothing else worth saying; therefore, you will naturally expect a long letter. What an intolerable world this would be if we said nothing but what is worth saying! And did nothing foolish -- like going into Mexico and South America. (from rjgeib.com) Ambrose Bierce (1842-1914)

7. I'm hoping that you will go to the mine soon. You must hunger and thirst for the mountains -- Carlt likewise. So do I. Civilization be dinged! -- It is the mountains and the desert for me. Good-by -- if you hear of my being stood up against a Mexican stone wall and shot to rags please know that I think that a pretty good way to depart his life. It beats old age, disease, or falling down the cellar stairs. To be a Gringo in Mexico -- ah, that is euthanasia! With love to Carlt, affectionately yours, Ambrose (from rjgeib.com) Ambrose Bierce (1842-1914)

9. Ambrose Bierce (1842-1914) The End Late in 1913, at the age of seventy-one, Bierce retired from writing and went to Mexico where he vanished mysteriously. "I am going away to South America, and have not the faintest notion when I shall return," he wrote to Samuel Loveman on September 10, 1913. From Chihuahua he posted a letter which was his last. According to one explanation Bierce did not go to Mexico at all but, instead, committed suicide in the Grand Canyon. One wild story tells that he was held captive by a tribe of Brazilian Indians. (www.kirjasto.sci.fi)