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When a man is in doubt about this or that in his writing…

“When a man is in doubt about this or that in his writing, it will often guide him if he asks himself how it will tell a hundred years hence.” quote by Samuel Butler
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“When a man is in doubt about this or that in his writing, it will often guide him if he asks himself how it will tell a hundred years hence.”

Samuel Butler

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Writers should anticipate how their work will be judged by future generations, guiding present choices.

In simple terms: Consider future readers when writing.

Key Takeaway

Write with timeless relevance.

Themes

literature legacy foresight

Mood

philosophical thought‑provoking

Type

literary advice

When to use this quote

  • historical novels
  • academic essays
  • policy drafting
  • family histories

Key Concepts

historical impact ethical storytelling cultural memory

Questions to Reflect On

  • What values do you want your work to embody?
  • How might future contexts reshape your message?
A Different Perspective

Predicting future interpretation is uncertain.

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