Articles Quote by Eric Hobsbawm
“It is a melancholy illusion of those who write books and articles that the printed word survives. Alas, it rarely does.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Age of Extremes, 1994
Printed works are often believed to endure, but most fade quickly and become forgotten
In simple terms: Printed words rarely survive over time
Key Takeaway
Preserve ideas in multiple formats for longevity
Themes
impermanence
media
history
Mood
nostalgic
analytical
Type
historical
literary
When to use this quote
- libraries
- academic citations
- personal note‑taking
Key Concepts
cultural memory
digital archiving
Questions to Reflect On
- Which books have endured despite low print runs?
- How can we ensure important ideas persist?
A Different Perspective
The quote may ignore the lasting impact of influential texts
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