--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Few can be induced to labor exclusively…" description: "\"Few can be induced to labor exclusively for posterity - Posterity has done nothing for us\" — Abraham Lincoln" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4a5/abraham-lincoln-88_done_few-can-be-induced-to-labor-exclusively_3090078.png" --- # Few can be induced to labor exclusively for posterity… ![“Few can be induced to labor exclusively for posterity - Posterity has done nothing for us” quote by Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4a5/abraham-lincoln-88_done_few-can-be-induced-to-labor-exclusively_3090078.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4a5/abraham-lincoln-88_done_few-can-be-induced-to-labor-exclusively_3090078.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4a5/abraham-lincoln-88_done_few-can-be-induced-to-labor-exclusively_3090078.png) > “Few can be induced to labor exclusively for posterity - Posterity has done nothing for us” [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 are motivated by personal legacy, yet posterity offers no direct benefit, revealing a self‑centered drive. **In simple terms:** We work for legacy, not future benefit. Key Takeaway Focus on present impact. Themes legacy motivation selfishness Mood thoughtful critical Type ethical reflective When to use this quote - career planning - philanthropy - artistic creation - political action Key Concepts ethics psychology Questions to Reflect On - What motivates your work? - Do you consider future generations? A Different Perspective Legacy can be a selfish excuse for ego. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Done](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/done/) [Exclusively Posterity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/exclusively-posterity-5309126/) [Induced Labor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/induced-labor-5309128/) [Inspirational](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/inspirational/) [Labor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/labor/) [Labor Exclusively](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/labor-exclusively-5309127/) [Posterity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/posterity/) [Posterity Posterity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/posterity-posterity-4190816/) ## Related quotes > [Few can be induced to labor exclusively for posterity; and none will do it enthusiastically. 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