--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Few can be induced to labor exclusively…" description: "\"Few can be induced to labor exclusively for posterity; and none will do it enthusiastically. Posterity has done nothing for us; and theorize on it as w..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e14/abraham-lincoln-88_done_few-can-be-induced-to-labor-exclusively_2352955.jpg" --- # Few can be induced to labor exclusively for posterity; and… ![“Few can be induced to labor exclusively for posterity; and none will do it enthusiastically. Posterity has done nothing for us; and theorize on it as we may, practically we shall do very little for it, unless we are made to think we are at the same time doing something for ourselves.” quote by Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e14/abraham-lincoln-88_done_few-can-be-induced-to-labor-exclusively_2352955.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e14/abraham-lincoln-88_done_few-can-be-induced-to-labor-exclusively_2352955.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e14/abraham-lincoln-88_done_few-can-be-induced-to-labor-exclusively_2352955.jpg) > “Few can be induced to labor exclusively for posterity; and none will do it enthusiastically. Posterity has done nothing for us; and theorize on it as we may, practically we shall do very little for it, unless we are made to think we are at the same time doing something for ourselves.” [Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abraham-lincoln/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. People work for future generations only when they see personal benefit; otherwise motivation is low. **In simple terms:** People need personal gain to work for future generations. Key Takeaway Connect personal benefits to long‑term goals. Themes motivation future self‑interest Mood reflective serious Type philosophical motivational When to use this quote - career planning - community projects - legacy building Key Concepts altruism psychology Questions to Reflect On - What personal rewards can you link to future benefits? - How can societies foster collective responsibility? A Different Perspective Idealism alone may not sustain effort. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Labor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/labor/) [Thinking](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/thinking/) [Time](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/time/) ## Related quotes > [Few can be induced to labor exclusively for posterity - Posterity has done nothing for us](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/abraham-lincoln/few-can-be-induced-to-labor-exclusively-for-posterity-posterity-has/) [Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abraham-lincoln/) > [Let every American, every lover of liberty, every well wisher to his posterity, swear by the blood of the Revolution, never to violate in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/abraham-lincoln/let-every-american-every-lover-of-liberty-every-well-wisher-to-his/) [Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abraham-lincoln/) > [Biographies, as generally written, are not only misleading but false... 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It's their decision. If they decide to turn their back on the fire and burn their behinds, then they…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/abraham-lincoln/elections-belong-to-the-people-it-s-their-decision-if-they-decide-to/) [Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abraham-lincoln/) > [ Next came the Patent laws. These began in England in 1624; and, in this country, with the adoption of our constitution. 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