--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Those who first oppose a good work, seize…" description: "\"Those who first oppose a good work, seize it and make it their own, when the cornerstone is laid and memorial tablets are erected.\" — Edgar Lee Masters" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/93d/edgar-lee-masters-14862_firsts_those-who-first-oppose-a-good-work-seize_2587450.png" --- # Those who first oppose a good work, seize it and make it… ![“Those who first oppose a good work, seize it and make it their own, when the cornerstone is laid and memorial tablets are erected.” quote by Edgar Lee Masters](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/93d/edgar-lee-masters-14862_firsts_those-who-first-oppose-a-good-work-seize_2587450.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/93d/edgar-lee-masters-14862_firsts_those-who-first-oppose-a-good-work-seize_2587450.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/93d/edgar-lee-masters-14862_firsts_those-who-first-oppose-a-good-work-seize_2587450.png) > “Those who first oppose a good work, seize it and make it their own, when the cornerstone is laid and memorial tablets are erected.” [Edgar Lee Masters](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edgar-lee-masters/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Opponents may co‑opt a good cause, claiming ownership when it begins. **In simple terms:** Opponents hijack good work. Key Takeaway Stay vigilant of appropriation. Themes power ownership integrity Mood critical cautionary Type political philosophical When to use this quote - Social movements - artistic collaborations - political campaigns Key Concepts Cultural appropriation political co‑optation ethical leadership Questions to Reflect On - How can creators protect their work? - When does adoption become exploitation? A Different Perspective Good intentions can be corrupted by self‑interest. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Cornerstone Laid](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cornerstone-laid-1831185/) [Firsts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/firsts/) [Good work](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/good-work/) [Laid Memorial](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/laid-memorial-1831186/) [Memorial](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/memorial/) [Memorial Tablets](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/memorial-tablets-1831184/) [Tablets](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/tablets/) [Tablets Erected](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/tablets-erected-1831183/) [Work Seize](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/work-seize-1831187/) ## Related quotes > [Those who first oppose a good work, seize it and make it their own, when the corner - stone is laid and memorial tablets…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edgar-lee-masters/those-who-first-oppose-a-good-work-seize-it-and-make-it-their-own/) [Edgar Lee Masters](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edgar-lee-masters/) > [I'm taking memory power boost tablets to help me every day and doing the puzzles to help me stay focused.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/terry-bradshaw/i-m-taking-memory-power-boost-tablets-to-help-me-every-day-and-doing/) [Terry Bradshaw](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/terry-bradshaw/) > [Our modern world defined God as a ‘religious complex’ and laughed at the Ten Commandments as OLD FASHIONED. 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