The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen nor even touched, but just felt in the heart.

Source: Keller, Helen. The Story of My Life. New York: Grosset & Dunlap, 1905. Additional Information: This quote is often attributed to Helen Keller; however, it actually originates from a statement made by Keller's teacher and companion, Anne Sullivan. The first published appearance of this quote is in Keller's book The Story of My Life (1905), in a passage from a letter Keller wrote when she was ten years old. The quote was attributed to Anne Sullivan. The passage from the letter is as follows:

I used to wish that I could see pictures with my hands as I do statues, but now I do not often think about it because my dear Father has filled my mind with beautiful pictures, even of things I cannot see. If the light were not in your eyes, dear Mr. Brooks, you would understand better how happy your little Helen was when her teacher explained to her that the best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen nor even touched, but just felt in the heart. Every day I find out something which makes me glad.

Variations: "The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart."