Who said “Before undergoing a surgical operation, arrange your temporal affairs. You may live.”?

Verified

Ambrose Bierce. A published source records them saying or writing it.

SourceThe Cynic's Word Book (1906)

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For academic work, cite the original where you can: The Cynic's Word Book (1906).

APA

Bierce, A. (n.d.). Before undergoing a surgical operation, arrange your temporal affairs. You may live. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/28473-before-undergoing-a-surgical-operation-arrange-your-temporal/

MLA

Bierce, Ambrose. “Before undergoing a surgical operation, arrange your temporal affairs. You may live.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/28473-before-undergoing-a-surgical-operation-arrange-your-temporal/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Bierce, Ambrose. “Before undergoing a surgical operation, arrange your temporal affairs. You may live.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/28473-before-undergoing-a-surgical-operation-arrange-your-temporal/.

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