Love Quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Though love repine, and reason chafe, There came a voice without reply,- "'Tis man's perdition to be safe, When for the truth he ought to die."”
About This Quote
Source Poem: "Love and Reason" by Ralph Waldo Emerson, 1840s
True conviction may demand sacrifice; staying safe avoids truth, which can lead to moral ruin.
In simple terms: Truth may require sacrifice.
Key Takeaway
Choose truth over safety.
Themes
truth
courage
morality
Mood
serious
reflective
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political activism
- personal integrity decisionsspiritual practice
- social reform
Key Concepts
philosophy
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- When is it justified to prioritize safety?
- What costs does avoiding truth impose?
A Different Perspective
Safety can be a rational choice in dangerous contexts.
