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Meaning
The line suggests that truth is not always gentle or easy to accept. It compares truth and roses to things that can hurt even while they are admired.
When It Was Said
1838
Who It Was Said To
Not documented yet.
Historical Context
The quote is listed with a diary citation from June 14, 1838, but Wikiquote notes that Thoreau was not the original source.
Source
This is commonly misattributed because Thoreau wrote it in his journal June 14, 1838, but it was not original. This was a popular aphorism in his day, appearing in several collections of proverbs during his lifetime. Its origin is unknown, but it had appeared in print before his birth. E.g., in Joseph Dennie and Asbury Dickins, The Port Folio, vol.2, no.1 (July 1809), p. 431; and in Felipe Fernandez, Exercises on the rules of construction of the Spanish language, 3rd ed. (1811), p. 228.
Original Language & Translation
Originally said in English.
Did They Really Say It?
Listed as misattributed on Wikiquote; Thoreau wrote it in a journal entry, but the saying predates him.
Did You Know?
Wikiquote says the line appeared in print before Thoreau was born, including in 1809 and 1811 collections.
About Henry David Thoreau
American naturalist, essayist, poet, and philosopher
Henry David Thoreau was an American naturalist, essayist, poet, and philosopher. He is closely associated with the transcendentalist movement and is best known for Walden and for his essay "Civil Disobedience". Walden reflects on simple living in natural surroundings. "Civil Disobedience" argues that citizens may resist an unjust state. Thoreau's writing often returns to independence, conscience, and a close attention to nature.
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READ THE SOURCE
Books by Henry David Thoreau
Walden
On living deliberately.