"Rather than love, than money, than fame, give me truth"

Thoreau penned this famous quote as a declaration of his priorities and worths in life. He believed that authenticity and honesty were the most valuable qualities an individual might have, and that they were more important than love, cash, or popularity. This sentiment shows Thoreau's more comprehensive philosophy of simpleness, self-reliance, and individualism. To him, the pursuit of fact was the crucial to living a satisfying and meaningful life, whereas the pursuit of more traditional successes or pleasures typically led to superficiality and an absence of spiritual depth. Therefore, this quote speaks to the power and importance of living a genuine and real life, both for ourselves and for others.