Who said “Love is never lost. If not reciprocated, it will flow back and soften and purify the…”?

Disputed

It's credited to Washington Irving, but no reliable source from their lifetime has been found.

What the research foundNo reliable early source found for Washington Irving.

Evidence: Wikiquote · How we check

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“Love is never lost. If not reciprocated, it will flow back and soften and purify the heart.”
— Washington Irving
DisputedNo reliable early source found for Washington Irving. · evidenceLove

Cite this quote

APA

“Love is never lost. If not reciprocated, it will flow back and soften and purify the heart.” [Quotation attributed to Washington Irving]. (n.d.). Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/27367-love-is-never-lost-if-not-reciprocated-it/

MLA

“Love is never lost. If not reciprocated, it will flow back and soften and purify the heart.” Attributed to Washington Irving. Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/27367-love-is-never-lost-if-not-reciprocated-it/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

“Love is never lost. If not reciprocated, it will flow back and soften and purify the heart.” Attributed to Washington Irving. Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/27367-love-is-never-lost-if-not-reciprocated-it/.

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More quotes by Washington Irving

“Little minds are tamed and subdued by misfortune; but great minds rise above it.”
VerifiedA more extensive statement not found as such in this work is attributed to Irving in Elbert Hubbard's Scrap Book (1923) edited by Roycroft Shop · evidenceDetails & citeAdversity
“A tart temper never mellows with age, and a sharp tongue is the only edge tool that grows keener with constant use.”
Verified"Rip Van Winkle" · evidenceDetails & citeAnger
“A tart temper never mellows with age, and a sharp tongue is the only edged tool that grows keener with constant use.”
Verified"Rip Van Winkle" · evidenceDetails & citeTemper
All 31 Washington Irving quotes →