Who said “We are not what we are, nor do we treat or esteem each other for such, but for what we…”?

Disputed

It's credited to Henry David Thoreau, but no reliable source from their lifetime has been found.

What the research foundNo reliable early source found for Henry David Thoreau.

Evidence: Wikiquote · How we check

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Authors A–Z
“We are not what we are, nor do we treat or esteem each other for such, but for what we are capable of being.”
— Henry David Thoreau
DisputedNo reliable early source found for Henry David Thoreau. · evidencePotential

Cite this quote

APA

“We are not what we are, nor do we treat or esteem each other for such, but for what we are capable of being.” [Quotation attributed to Henry David Thoreau]. (n.d.). Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/33586-we-are-not-what-we-are-nor-do/

MLA

“We are not what we are, nor do we treat or esteem each other for such, but for what we are capable of being.” Attributed to Henry David Thoreau. Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/33586-we-are-not-what-we-are-nor-do/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

“We are not what we are, nor do we treat or esteem each other for such, but for what we are capable of being.” Attributed to Henry David Thoreau. Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/33586-we-are-not-what-we-are-nor-do/.

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