Coward: One who, in a perilous emergency, thinks with his legs

Coward: One who, in a perilous emergency, thinks with his legs

Ambrose Bierce, a renowned American writer and journalist, was known for his sharp wit and satirical commentary on society. One of his most famous quotes is, “Coward: One who, in a perilous emergency, thinks with his legs.” This quote perfectly encapsulates Bierce’s cynical view of human nature and the tendency for people to prioritize self-preservation over bravery in times of danger.

Bierce’s definition of a coward as someone who “thinks with his legs” implies that when faced with a dangerous situation, a coward’s first instinct is to flee rather than confront the threat head-on. This characterization of cowardice as a physical response rather than a moral failing speaks to Bierce’s belief that fear is a primal instinct that overrides rational thought and ethical considerations.