Does anyone have a nicer translation for this Tolstoy quote?

Question

Truth, like gold, is to be obtained not by its growth, but by washing away from it all that is not gold.

I don't know who translated it or where it's from...I realize that makes it harder...I find the word "obtained" and the phrase "nor by its growth" awkward and odd, but I don't know what it was in Russian (nor do I know any Russian at all) so I wouldn't want to presume to "improve" it.

Thanks!

Answer 1

Amazing query.

Tolstoy has much to say in "Four Gospels" about gold and truth.

... what the connection is between the truth of God and the resurrection of Lazarus. I am in doubt whether the coin which is given to me is genuine gold. ...

The quote in any sense of any 2-3 words does not exist until the last decades.

But "Truth, like Gold" is known since before the next quote:

1867
The more you examine Truth, like gold, the brighter it shines.

Therefore, Truth, like gold, is never absolutely pure or perfect. Gandhiji

John Locke -1796 perhaps earlier...
But truth, like gold, is not the less so for being newly brought out of the mine. It is trial and examination must give it price, and not any antique

I trust I have not yet to learn the value of truth. Like gold, every particle of it is precious.

But it may be Hindu, early or such not Tolstoy.

Answer 2

It means that truth is not to be had by many truths but by getting rid of all the lies and fibs, leaving only the truth.

Answer 3

Finally, that's what I was searching for! Thanks to author of this question.