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.

Topics

Truth

By Henry David Thoreau

Liked the quote? Share it with your friends.

Random Quotations

The truth was that he died from solitude, the enemy known bu

The truth was that he died from solitude, the enemy known but to few on this Earth, and whom only the simplest of us are fit to withstand. The brilliant Costaguanaro of the boulevards had died from solitude and want of faith in himself and others.

Truth Faith Solitude

Lovers are fools, but Nature makes them so.

Lovers are fools, but Nature makes them so.

Love

I do have 14 tattoos, but I also do come home every single n

I do have 14 tattoos, but I also do come home every single night and watch reality TV with my cat.

There are a number of mechanical devices which increase sexu

There are a number of mechanical devices which increase sexual arousal, particularly in women. Chief among these is the Mercedes-Benz 380SL convertible.

Women

I too hope in this short reign to be a man of peace.

I too hope in this short reign to be a man of peace.

Pope Benedict XVI

Hope

Self-reverence, self-knowledge, self-control; these three al

Self-reverence, self-knowledge, self-control; these three alone lead one to sovereign power.

Alfred Lord Tennyson

That's just the way: a person does a low-down thing, and the

That's just the way: a person does a low-down thing, and then he don't want to take no consequences of it. Thinks as long as he can hide it, it ain't no disgrace.

Truth Responsibility Philosophy

As I get older, I just prefer to knit.

As I get older, I just prefer to knit.

Funny

Technique is the test of sincerity. If a thing isn't worth g

Technique is the test of sincerity. If a thing isn't worth getting the technique to say, it is of inferior value.

Talent

Not by age but by capacity is wisdom acquired.

Not by age but by capacity is wisdom acquired.

Wisdom Age

Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must ha

Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something and that this thing must be attained.

Persistence

He teaches me to be good that does me good.

He teaches me to be good that does me good.

Example