--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: An idealist is one who, on noticing that…" description: "\"“An idealist is one who, on noticing that a rose smells better than a cabbage, concludes that it makes a better soup.”\" — H.L. Mencken" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f6e/h-l-mencken-2-5374_cabbage_an-idealist-is-one-who-on-noticing-that_2492887.jpg" --- # An idealist is one who, on noticing that a rose smells… ![“An idealist is one who, on noticing that a rose smells better than a cabbage, concludes that it makes a better soup.” quote by H.L. Mencken](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f6e/h-l-mencken-2-5374_cabbage_an-idealist-is-one-who-on-noticing-that_2492887.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f6e/h-l-mencken-2-5374_cabbage_an-idealist-is-one-who-on-noticing-that_2492887.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f6e/h-l-mencken-2-5374_cabbage_an-idealist-is-one-who-on-noticing-that_2492887.jpg) > ““An idealist is one who, on noticing that a rose smells better than a cabbage, concludes that it makes a better soup.”” [H.L. Mencken](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/h-l-mencken-2/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Idealists overvalue superficial qualities, ignoring practical realities. **In simple terms:** Idealists focus on appearance over function. Key Takeaway Balance idealism with practicality. Themes idealism perception practicality Mood skeptical reflective Type philosophical critical When to use this quote - personal decisions - product design - marketing - policy making Key Concepts philosophy critical thinking Questions to Reflect On - Do you prioritize appearance over function? - When does idealism hinder progress? A Different Perspective Idealism may overlook essential constraints. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Better Cabbage](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/better-cabbage-335045/) [Cabbage](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cabbage/) [Cooking](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cooking/) [Fragrance](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fragrance/) [Humor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/humor/) [Idealism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/idealism/) [Idealist](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/idealist/) [Idealist Noticing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/idealist-noticing-335047/) [Metaphors](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/metaphors/) [Noticing Rose](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/noticing-rose-335048/) [Perfume](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/perfume/) [Rose Smells](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/rose-smells-983257/) [Roses](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/roses/) [Similes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/similes/) ## Related quotes > [Idealist: One who, on noticing that a rose smells better than a cabbage, concludes that it will also make better soup](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/henry-louis-mencken/idealist-one-who-on-noticing-that-a-rose-smells-better-than-a-cabbage/) [Henry Louis Mencken](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henry-louis-mencken/) > [An idealist is one who, on noticing that roses smell better than a cabbage, concludes that it will also make better soup.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/h-l-mencken/an-idealist-is-one-who-on-noticing-that-roses-smell-better-than-a/) [H. L. 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It was getting…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jerry-spinelli/he-tapped-my-chest-happy-is-here-he-tapped-his-own-chest-here-i/) [Jerry Spinelli](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jerry-spinelli/) > [I'll show you how the cows eat cabbage.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/i-ll-show-you-how-the-cows-eat-cabbage/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“I don't like him." Looking from Kale to Alex, Ginger said, "I don't like cabbage. Do you see me taking on the produce section…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jus-accardo/i-don-t-like-him-looking-from-kale-to-alex-ginger-said-i-don-t-like/) [Jus Accardo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jus-accardo/) > [I want death to find me planting my cabbage.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michel-de-montaigne/i-want-death-to-find-me-planting-my-cabbage/) [Michel De Montaigne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michel-de-montaigne/) > [The cabbage surpasses all other vegetables. 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