NOT to my contemporaries, not to my compatriots but to…
“NOT to my contemporaries, not to my compatriots but to mankind I commit my now completed work in the confidence that it will not be without value for them, even if this should be late recognised, as is commonly the lot of what is good. For it cannot have been for the passing generation, engrossed with the delusion of the moment, that my mind, almost against my will, has uninterruptedly stuck to its work through the course of a long life. preface to the second edition of "the world as will and representation”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
He expresses hope that his life's work will eventually be valued, despite being unrecognized in his time.
In simple terms: He hopes his work will be valued later.
Key Takeaway
Patience for lasting impact.
Themes
philosophy
legacy
humility
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- academic publishing
- long‑term research
- cultural criticism
Key Concepts
will
representation
recognition
Questions to Reflect On
- How does delayed recognition affect creators?
- What drives you to persist despite obscurity?
A Different Perspective
Impact may be delayed or overlooked.