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About this quote

What does it mean?
Speaking what no one will hear or writing what no one will read are rare achievements.
In plain terms
Creating unheard or unread work is a unique feat.
What can you take from it?
Value originality even if it goes unnoticed.

Where it applies

  • artistic creation
  • experimental research

Putting it to work

  • publish niche work
  • share without expectation

Questions to consider

  • Do you create for yourself or for others?

Another view

Lack of audience can limit impact.

More from Henry David Thoreau

  1. A poem is one undivided unimpeded expression fallen ripe into literature, and it is undividedly and unimpededly received by those for whom it was matured.

    Permalink to quote #96
  2. The unconsciousness of man is the consciousness of God.

    Permalink to quote #98
  3. Poetry is the mysticism of mankind.

    Permalink to quote #95

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