It is my ambition to be, as a private individual…
![“It is my ambition to be, as a private individual, abolished and voided from history, leaving it markless, no refuse save the printed books. [] It is my aim, and every effort bent, that the sum and history of my life, which in the same sentence is my obit and epitaph too, shall be them both: he…” quote by William Faulkner](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/83e/william-faulkner-306_aim_it-is-my-ambition-to-be-as-a-private-ind_349290.png)
“It is my ambition to be, as a private individual, abolished and voided from history, leaving it markless, no refuse save the printed books. [] It is my aim, and every effort bent, that the sum and history of my life, which in the same sentence is my obit and epitaph too, shall be them both: he made the books and he died.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The narrator wishes to erase his personal legacy, leaving only his written works as his lasting imprint.
In simple terms: He wants to be remembered only through his books, not his life.
Key Takeaway
Focus on creating lasting work, not personal fame.
Themes
legacy
anonymity
literature
mortality
Mood
reflective
melancholic
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- writing a novel
- publishing memoirs
- archiving personal papers
- donating manuscripts
Key Concepts
existentialism
authorial intent
self-erasure
Questions to Reflect On
- What aspects of your work do you want to outlive you?
- How do you balance personal privacy with public contribution?
A Different Perspective
Even written works can keep a personal memory alive, challenging total erasure.