Age Quote by Jean de la Bruyere
“He who only writes to suit the taste of the age, considers himself more than his writings. We should always aim at perfection, and then posterity will do us that justice which sometimes our contemporaries refuse us.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Maximes, 1688
Writing solely for contemporary approval inflates self‑importance, while true merit earns lasting respect.
In simple terms: Writing for today’s taste overvalues self.
Key Takeaway
Seek timeless quality over fleeting approval.
Themes
pride
art
legacy
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- publishing
- creative work
- personal reputation
- historical assessment
Key Concepts
ego
authenticity
reputation
Questions to Reflect On
- How does seeking perfection affect your creative process?
- What does “posterity” mean to you?
A Different Perspective
Contemporary tastes can still shape lasting impact.
![“The court is like a palace built of marble; I mean that it is made up of very hard but very polished people. [Fr., La cour est comme un edifice bati de marbre; je veux dire qu'elle est composee d'hommes fort durs mais fort polis.]” quote by Jean de la Bruyere](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/fcf/jean-de-la-bruyere-575_built_the-court-is-like-a-palace-built-of-marb_77288.jpg)
