Quote by Henry David Thoreau

The rarest quality in an epitaph is truth.

The rarest quality in an epitaph is truth.

Summary

This quote highlights the scarcity of honesty and authenticity in epitaphs, which are written to commemorate the deceased. It suggests that many epitaphs often sugarcoat or embellish the lives and virtues of individuals, rather than showcasing the unfiltered truth. By stating that truth is the rarest quality in an epitaph, the quote critiques the tendency to paint a perfect picture of the deceased, perhaps emphasizing the importance of embracing flaws and acknowledging the complexities of human existence even in death.

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By Henry David Thoreau

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