spartacus (103-71 BC) is a somewhat mysterious historical figure. a greek, or possibly a thracian (from what is today bulgaria), little is known of his life except that he was a military leader, then a gladiator, then he led a massive slave uprising against rome, one of the few wars in history where it's totally uncontroversial to side entirely with one of the belligerents.

since his background is so mysterious, he is one of those historical figures you could potentially turn out to be if you're ever a time traveler (blackbeard is another!)

(1694 – 1778). A key figure of European Enlightenment. His satirical writings played a role in the French Revolution
(also: 100 most influential people in the world)
(also: voltaire quotes)

One whose mind is the creature of its environment, following the fashion in thought, feeling and sentiment. He is sometimes learned, frequently prosperous, commonly clean and always solemn.
(also: The Devil's Dictionary)

(551 – 479 BC) – Chinese philosopher.
(also: 100 most influential people in the world)
(also: confucius quotes)

(noun) A revolutionary saga where powdered wigs met musket fire, and tricornered hats clashed with redcoats. A boisterous rebellion against tea taxes, monarchs, and stuffy British rule, featuring a cast of passionate colonists, cunning revolutionaries, and the occasional founding father. A tale of liberty, independence, and a nation born in the crucible of conflict, leaving a legacy of freedom, fireworks, and a deep-seated love for grilled meats.

Teaching Tip: Encourage critical thinking and analysis by providing students with a variety of primary and secondary sources related to the American Revolution. By engaging in document analysis and discussions, students can develop a deeper understanding of the causes, key events, and perspectives of different individuals involved in the revolution.

if you are given the option between fungible goods of various prices, buy the most expensive one

A minor form of despair, disguised as a virtue.
(also: The Devil's Dictionary)

(adj.) sinister; causing unease.

one may think of a house that has these qualities as a spookhouse. but we don't advise this.

(n.) the act of borrowing something at a very favorable rate to the borrower.

Legitimate authority to be, to do or to have; as the right to be a king, the right to do one's neighbor, the right to have measles and the like. The first of these rights was once universally believed to be derived directly from the will of God; and this is still sometimes affirmed in partibus infidelium outside the enlightened realms of Democracy; as in the well-known lines of Sir Abednego Bink, following:

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By what right, then, do royal rulers rule?
Whose is the sanction of their state and pow'r?
He surely were as stubborn as a mule
Who, God unwilling, could maintain an hour
His uninvited session on the throne, or air
His pride securely in the Presidential chair.

Whatever is is so by Right Divine;
Whate'er occurs, God wills it so. Good land!
It were a wondrous thing if His design
A fool could baffle or a rogue withstand!
If so, then God, I say (intending no offence)
Is guilty of contributory negligence.

(also: The Devil's Dictionary)

a candy consisting of a sugar-capsule with a decorative almond in the middle

(noun) A colorful candy that promises to "taste the rainbow," but really just tastes like sugar-coated disappointment.

n. The final and funniest folly of the rich.
(also: the devils dictionary)

The faithful attendant and follower of Punishment. It is usually manifest in a degree of reformation that is not inconsistent with continuity of sin.

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Desirous to avoid the pains of Hell,
You will repent and join the Church, Parnell?
How needless! — Nick will keep you off the coals
And add you to the woes of other souls.
—Jomater Abemy
(also: The Devil's Dictionary)

Adding two-digit numbers is like combining two groups of friends. Imagine you have 47 friends in one group and 69 friends in another group. To find out how many friends you have in total, you count the friends from each group separately. You count 4 tens from the first group and 6 tens from the second group, which gives you 10 tens. Then, you count the 7 ones from the first group and 9 ones from the second group, which gives you 16 ones. So, when you add the tens and ones together, you have 10 tens and 16 ones, which equals 116 friends in total!

(also: Subtracting two-digit numbers)
(also: Counting and making change with money)
(also: Measuring and converting units of length)

(n.) the catch-all term for nationally-syndicated televised news programs; these can be thought of as analogous to cartoons, only viewed by old people (though the cartoons tend to leave the viewer more stable)

The color you see on the sky while you are trying to study night before exam

A representation in two dimensions of something wearisome in three.

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"Behold great Daubert's picture here on view —
Taken from Life." If that description's true,
Grant, heavenly Powers, that I be taken, too.
—Jali Hane
(also: The Devil's Dictionary)

A candid man of affairs.
It is related of Voltaire that one night he and some traveling companions lodged at a wayside inn. The surroundings were suggestive, and after supper they agreed to tell robber stories in turn. When Voltaire's turn came he said: "Once there was a Farmer-General of the Revenues." Saying nothing more, he was encouraged to continue. "That," he said, "is the story."
(also: story)
(also: The Devil's Dictionary)

(n.) the act of putting something off until... ah screw it