Beauty Quote by Anonymous
“O, how much more doth beauty beauteous seem By that sweet ornament which truth doth give! The rose looks fair, but fairer we it deem For that sweet odor which doth in it live. The canker-blooms have fullas deep a dye As the perfumed tincture of the roses, Hang on such thorns, and play as wantonly When summer's breath their masked buds discloses. But, for their virtue only is their show. They live unwooed and unrespected fade, Die to themselves. Sweet rosesdo not so; Of their sweet deaths are sweetest odors made. And so of you, beauteous andlovely youth, When that shall vade, by verse distills your truth”
About This Quote
Source Poem: Unknown author, likely early modern English verse
Beauty’s appeal is enhanced by truth’s hidden fragrance, yet true beauty fades without respect.
In simple terms: Truth makes beauty seem sweeter, but true beauty fades without respect.
Key Takeaway
Value truth over superficial beauty.
Themes
beauty
truth
impermanence
Mood
contemplative
melancholic
Type
poetic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- art criticism
- personal relationships
- life reflections
Key Concepts
aesthetic philosophy
ephemeral nature
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance truth and aesthetic appeal?
- What does “true beauty” mean to you?
A Different Perspective
Focusing on truth may diminish appreciation of fleeting beauty.
