Printing Quote by Henry David Thoreau
“Comparatively, tattooing is not the hideous custom which it is called. It is not barbarous merely because the printing is skin-deep and unalterable.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Walden, Henry David Thoreau, 1854
Tattooing is not merely a superficial, unchangeable act; it can be a meaningful personal expression.
In simple terms: Tattoos can be meaningful, not just skin deep.
Key Takeaway
Consider the intention behind body art.
Themes
art
self‑expression
culture
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal storytelling
- cultural critique
- body art appreciation
Key Concepts
symbolism
identity
tradition
Questions to Reflect On
- What does your tattoo represent?
- How do societal views affect personal expression?
A Different Perspective
Tattoos may still be perceived as rebellious or superficial.
![“For others, I suspect the vehement dislike of tattoos [on women] is really a fear of women's skin. When a woman makes her own mark on it, she isn't quite as available to receive whatever fantasies you might want to project on to her. If skin is a screen, and a woman writes on it, she is telling…” quote by Jenn Ashworth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4ba/jenn-ashworth-160129_fear_for-others-i-suspect-the-vehement-dislik_496324.jpg)
![“My very first venture was a national student magazine to try to campaign against the [Vietnam] War. And so I wanted to be an editor. I wanted to bring the magazine out. And in order for the magazine to survive I had to worry about the printing and the paper manufacturing and the distribution. And…” quote by Richard Branson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/675/richard-branson-256_campaigns_my-very-first-venture-was-a-national-stu_83658.jpg)