I hope that posterity will judge me kindly, not only as to…
“I hope that posterity will judge me kindly, not only as to the things which I have explained, but also to those which I have intentionally omitted so as to leave to others the pleasure of discovery.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
He hopes future generations judge him kindly for both his explicit explanations and his intentional omissions, allowing others to discover.
In simple terms: He wants future judgment on both what he says and what he leaves out.
Key Takeaway
Leave space for others to discover.
Themes
humility
legacy
knowledge
Mood
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
historical
When to use this quote
- academic writing
- historical analysis
- teaching
Key Concepts
epistemology
intellectual honesty
Questions to Reflect On
- What value lies in intentional omission?
- How does discovery shape understanding?
A Different Perspective
Omissions may be seen as evasive rather than generous.