---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: What a singular fact for an angel…"
description: "\"What a singular fact for an angel visitant to this earth to carry back in his note-book, that men were forbidden to expose their bodies under the sever..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2ff/henry-david-thoreau-20_angel_what-a-singular-fact-for-an-angel-visita_2339967.jpg"
---

#  What a singular fact for an angel visitant to this earth…

![“What a singular fact for an angel visitant to this earth to carry back in his note-book, that men were forbidden to expose their bodies under the severest penalties!” quote by Henry David Thoreau](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2ff/henry-david-thoreau-20_angel_what-a-singular-fact-for-an-angel-visita_2339967.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2ff/henry-david-thoreau-20_angel_what-a-singular-fact-for-an-angel-visita_2339967.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2ff/henry-david-thoreau-20_angel_what-a-singular-fact-for-an-angel-visita_2339967.jpg)

> “What a singular fact for an angel visitant to this earth to carry back in his note-book, that men were forbidden to expose their bodies under the severest penalties!”

[Henry David Thoreau](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henry-david-thoreau/)

## About This Quote

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

The quote critiques societal repression of the human body, highlighting how strict penalties discourage openness and natural expression.

**In simple terms:** Society punishes bodily openness.

Key Takeaway

Question authority that limits natural expression.

Themes

freedom body autonomy societal norms repression

Mood

critical reflective

Type

philosophical social commentary

When to use this quote

- personal journaling
- public speaking
- body positivity campaigns
- legal reform

Key Concepts

individualism natural law social control

Questions to Reflect On

- How do cultural norms shape our view of bodily openness?
- What penalties are justified to protect public decency?

A Different Perspective

The quote assumes a universal moral standard that may not apply across cultures.

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## More by Henry David Thoreau

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