"A Smiling Idol" is a short story by Ambrose Bierce, first published in 1893. The story follows a man named John who becomes obsessed with a statue of a smiling idol he finds in an antique shop. Despite the statue's strange appearance and lack of any known history, John becomes convinced that it is a powerful artifact with the ability to bring him good fortune. As he continues to gaze upon the statue, John begins to experience strange visions and hallucinations, leading him to question his own sanity. Ultimately, the story raises questions about the nature of reality and the power of belief, as John's obsession with the statue threatens to consume his life.
By Ambrose Bierce · First published 1892 · Genre: Short Stories, Satire, Horror