---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Both died, ignored by most; they neither…"
description: "\"“Both died, ignored by most; they neither sought nor found public favour, for high roads never lead there. Laurent and Gerhardt never left such roads, ..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c1a/charles-adolphe-wurtz-135236_advancement_both-died-ignored-by-most-they-neither-s_1940657.jpg"
---

#  Both died, ignored by most; they neither sought nor found…

![“Both died, ignored by most; they neither sought nor found public favour, for high roads never lead there. Laurent and Gerhardt never left such roads, were never tempted to peruse those easy successes which, for strongly marked characters, offer neither allure nor gain. Their passion was for the…” quote by Charles Adolphe Wurtz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c1a/charles-adolphe-wurtz-135236_advancement_both-died-ignored-by-most-they-neither-s_1940657.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c1a/charles-adolphe-wurtz-135236_advancement_both-died-ignored-by-most-they-neither-s_1940657.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c1a/charles-adolphe-wurtz-135236_advancement_both-died-ignored-by-most-they-neither-s_1940657.jpg)

> ““Both died, ignored by most; they neither sought nor found public favour, for high roads never lead there. Laurent and Gerhardt never left such roads, were never tempted to peruse those easy successes which, for strongly marked characters, offer neither allure nor gain. Their passion was for the search for truth; and, preferring their independence to their advancement, their convictions to their interests, they placed their love for science above that of their worldly goods; indeed above that for life itself, for death was the reward for their pains. Rare example of abnegation, sublime poverty that deserves the name nobility, glorious death that France must not forget!””

Charles Adolphe Wurtz

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Two scientists sacrificed personal gain, choosing truth and scientific love over wealth, fame, even life, embodying noble self‑denial.

**In simple terms:** They valued science and truth above all, even at the cost of life.

Key Takeaway

Honor the pursuit of truth over material rewards.

Themes

sacrifice science truth nobility self‑denial philosophy

Mood

reverent somber

Type

historical philosophical

When to use this quote

- academic research
- ethical debates
- personal sacrifice narratives

Key Concepts

ethics philosophical idealism historical martyrdom

Questions to Reflect On

- What drives someone to prioritize truth over life?
- Can true nobility exist without personal cost?

A Different Perspective

Idealizing death may overlook the value of living contributions.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Advancement](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/advancement/) [France](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/france/) [Laurent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/laurent/) [Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life/) [Life itself](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life-itself/) [Love](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/love/) [Nobility](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/nobility/) [Poverty](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/poverty/) [Publicity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/publicity/) [Reward](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/reward/) [Science](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/science/) [Sublime](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sublime/) [Truth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/truth/)

## Related quotes

> [“Damen bridged the nine chilly inches at the first opportunity. 'What are you doing? You were the one who warned me about Nicaise.' He…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/s-u-pacat/damen-bridged-the-nine-chilly-inches-at-the-first-opportunity-what/)

[S.U. Pacat](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/s-u-pacat/)

> [“Torveld favoured Laurent with another of those long, admiring looks that were starting to come with grating frequency. Damen frowned. Laurent was a nest…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/s-u-pacat/torveld-favoured-laurent-with-another-of-those-long-admiring-looks/)

[S.U. Pacat](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/s-u-pacat/)

> [“That isn't why. She would have chosen him even if you'd had royal blood in your veins, even if you'd had the same blood…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/s-u-pacat/that-isn-t-why-she-would-have-chosen-him-even-if-you-d-had-royal/)

[S.U. Pacat](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/s-u-pacat/)

> [“Trust you?' said Damen. 'You flayed the skin from my back. I have seen you do nothing but cheat and lie to every person…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/c-s-pacat/trust-you-said-damen-you-flayed-the-skin-from-my-back-i-have-seen-you/)

[C.S. Pacat](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/c-s-pacat/)

> [“To keep. I wouldn't wear it.' said Laurent, 'though I don't believe your imagination is having any difficulty with the idea.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/c-s-pacat/to-keep-i-wouldn-t-wear-it-said-laurent-though-i-don-t-believe-your/)

[C.S. Pacat](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/c-s-pacat/)

> [“Talik said, 'His contract with Lord Berenger ends soon. Ancel will seek a new contract, a high bidder. He wants money, status. He is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/s-u-pacat/talik-said-his-contract-with-lord-berenger-ends-soon-ancel-will-seek/)

[S.U. Pacat](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/s-u-pacat/)

> [“You have to admire it,' said Laurent, in a detached voice. 'It's the perfect time to attack Akielos. Kastor is dealing with factional problems…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/s-u-pacat/you-have-to-admire-it-said-laurent-in-a-detached-voice-it-s-the/)

[S.U. Pacat](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/s-u-pacat/)

> [“Nicaise had picked up a gilt three-pronged fork, but had paused before sampling the dish in order to speak. The fear he'd shown of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/s-u-pacat/nicaise-had-picked-up-a-gilt-three-pronged-fork-but-had-paused-before/)

[S.U. Pacat](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/s-u-pacat/)

> [ “It was with a shock that he felt the touch of Laurent's fingers against the back of his wrist. \[...\] Laurent was shifting the… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/s-u-pacat/it-was-with-a-shock-that-he-felt-the-touch-of-laurent-s-fingers/)

[S.U. Pacat](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/s-u-pacat/)

> [“Something to say?' said Laurent Jord was holding off from them. The same stubborn distaste was in his voice. 'Not with him here.' 'He's…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/c-s-pacat/something-to-say-said-laurent-jord-was-holding-off-from-them-the-same/)

[C.S. Pacat](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/c-s-pacat/)

> [“Stop playing with your food. Laurent to James”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephenie-meyer/stop-playing-with-your-food-laurent-to-james/)

[Stephenie Meyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephenie-meyer/)

> [“Stay back, old man. It isn't your business. This is the Prince of Vere.' 'But---I only paid three coppers for him,' said Volo, sounding…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/s-u-pacat/stay-back-old-man-it-isn-t-your-business-this-is-the-prince-of-vere/)

[S.U. Pacat](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/s-u-pacat/)

> [“When laced into his clothing, Laurent's dangerous grace lent him an almost androgynous quality. Or perhaps it was more accurate to say that it…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/s-u-pacat/when-laced-into-his-clothing-laurent-s-dangerous-grace-lent-him-an/)

[S.U. Pacat](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/s-u-pacat/)

> [“This place sickened him. Anywhere else, you simply killed your enemy with a sword. Or poisoned him, if you had the honourless instincts of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/s-u-pacat/this-place-sickened-him-anywhere-else-you-simply-killed-your-enemy/)

[S.U. Pacat](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/s-u-pacat/)

> [“Damen was smiling helplessly. 'that was adequate.' 'You've been waiting to say that.' The words were only a little blurred.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/damen-was-smiling-helplessly-that-was-adequate-you-ve-been-waiting-to/)

[Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/)

## More Advancement quotes

> [Advances in technology will continue to reach far into every sector of our economy. Future job and economic growth in industry, defense, transportation, agriculture,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/christopher-bond/advances-in-technology-will-continue-to-reach-far-into-every-sector/)

[Christopher Bond](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/christopher-bond/)

> [They either attach themselves to God's will, which results in their continuous progress, improvement and advancement, or they oppose God's will, are justly subjected…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gregory-palamas/they-either-attach-themselves-to-god-s-will-which-results-in-their/)

[Gregory Palamas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gregory-palamas/)

> [I am far from any intention to limit curiosity, or confine the labours of learning to arts of immediate and necessary use. It is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samuel-johnson/i-am-far-from-any-intention-to-limit-curiosity-or-confine-the-labours/)

[Samuel Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samuel-johnson/)

> [We have won the time lottery of the last 4 billion years.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stefan-molyneux/we-have-won-the-time-lottery-of-the-last-4-billion-years/)

[Stefan Molyneux](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stefan-molyneux/)

> [“Creativity is key to productivity and prosperity.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ifeanyi-enoch-onuoha/creativity-is-key-to-productivity-and-prosperity/)

[Ifeanyi Enoch Onuoha](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ifeanyi-enoch-onuoha/)

> [No one can stop the advancement of a country wheretalent is recognized properly.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mak-786/no-one-can-stop-the-advancement-of-a-country-wheretalent-is/)

Mak\_786

> [Each restorational advancement of the Army of the Lord has established denominational forts that are given responsibility to maintain the purity and power of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bill-hamon/each-restorational-advancement-of-the-army-of-the-lord-has/)

[Bill Hamon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bill-hamon/)

> [Setting is preliminary to brighter rising; decay is a process of advancement; death is the condition of higher and more fruitful life.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edwin-hubbel-chapin/setting-is-preliminary-to-brighter-rising-decay-is-a-process-of/)

[Edwin Hubbel Chapin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edwin-hubbel-chapin/)

> [Virtually every advancement made by our species since civilization first peeked out of its nest of stone has been initiated by lone individuals, mavericks…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tom-robbins/virtually-every-advancement-made-by-our-species-since-civilization/)

[Tom Robbins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tom-robbins/)

> [Certainly, none of us enjoy going through struggles, but you have to understand that your struggle may be an opportunity for advancement and promotion.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joel-osteen/certainly-none-of-us-enjoy-going-through-struggles-but-you-have-to/)

[Joel Osteen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joel-osteen/)

> [“Always work towards a dream or you'll always dream of working elsewhere.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/criss-jami/always-work-towards-a-dream-or-you-ll-always-dream-of-working/)

[Criss Jami](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/criss-jami/)

> [Those who are successfully to lead their fellow-men, should have once possessed the nobler feelings. We have all known individuals whose magnanimity was not…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/arthur-helps/those-who-are-successfully-to-lead-their-fellow-men-should-have-once/)

[Arthur Helps](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/arthur-helps/)

> [Genetic engineering is a result of science advancement, so I don't think that in itself is bad. If used wisely, genetics can be beneficial,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hideo-kojima/genetic-engineering-is-a-result-of-science-advancement-so-i-don-t/)

[Hideo Kojima](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hideo-kojima/)

> [ZIPPING THROUGH DIMENSIONS WITH INTENTIONS OF ADVANCEMENT](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aeileon/zipping-through-dimensions-with-intentions-of-advancement/)

[AEILEON](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aeileon/)

> [Our civilization is experiencing unprecedented changes across many realms, largely due to the rapid advancement of information technology. The ability to code and understand…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/al-gore/our-civilization-is-experiencing-unprecedented-changes-across-many/)

[Al Gore](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/al-gore/)

[Browse all 423 Advancement quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/advancement/)

```json
{
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@graph": [
        {
            "@type": "Quotation",
            "text": "“Both died, ignored by most; they neither sought nor found public favour, for high roads never lead there. Laurent and Gerhardt never left such roads, were never tempted to peruse those easy successes which, for strongly marked characters, offer neither allure nor gain. Their passion was for the search for truth; and, preferring their independence to their advancement, their convictions to their interests, they placed their love for science above that of their worldly goods; indeed above that for life itself, for death was the reward for their pains. Rare example of abnegation, sublime poverty that deserves the name nobility, glorious death that France must not forget!”",
            "creator": {
                "@type": "Person",
                "name": "Charles Adolphe Wurtz"
            },
            "isPartOf": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website"
            },
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-adolphe-wurtz/both-died-ignored-by-most-they-neither-sought-nor-found-public-favour/",
            "about": {
                "@type": "Thing",
                "name": "Advancement"
            },
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-adolphe-wurtz/both-died-ignored-by-most-they-neither-sought-nor-found-public-favour/#quotation",
            "image": {
                "@type": "ImageObject",
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c1a/charles-adolphe-wurtz-135236_advancement_both-died-ignored-by-most-they-neither-s_1940657.jpg",
                "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c1a/charles-adolphe-wurtz-135236_advancement_both-died-ignored-by-most-they-neither-s_1940657.jpg",
                "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c1a/charles-adolphe-wurtz-135236_advancement_both-died-ignored-by-most-they-neither-s_1940657.jpg",
                "width": 1080,
                "height": 1080,
                "caption": "“Both died, ignored by most; they neither sought nor found public favour, for high roads never lead there…” — Charles Adolphe Wurtz",
                "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                "creator": {
                    "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                }
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "BreadcrumbList",
            "itemListElement": [
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 1,
                    "name": "Home",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 2,
                    "name": "Quotes",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 3,
                    "name": "Charles Adolphe Wurtz",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-adolphe-wurtz/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 4,
                    "name": "“Both died, ignored by most; they...",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-adolphe-wurtz/both-died-ignored-by-most-they-neither-sought-nor-found-public-favour/"
                }
            ],
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-adolphe-wurtz/both-died-ignored-by-most-they-neither-sought-nor-found-public-favour/#breadcrumb"
        },
        {
            "@type": "WebSite",
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website",
            "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/",
            "publisher": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "Organization",
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization",
            "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/",
            "logo": {
                "@type": "ImageObject",
                "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png",
                "width": 512,
                "height": 512
            }
        }
    ]
}
```
