Skip to content

Age Quote by Nathaniel Hawthorne

“Genius, indeed, melts many ages into one, and thus effects something permanent, yet still with a similarity of office to that of the more ephemeral writer. A work of genius is but the newspaper of a century, or perchance of a hundred centuries.” quote by Nathaniel Hawthorne
Download Open image
“Genius, indeed, melts many ages into one, and thus effects something permanent, yet still with a similarity of office to that of the more ephemeral writer. A work of genius is but the newspaper of a century, or perchance of a hundred centuries.”

Nathaniel Hawthorne

About This Quote

Source Essay: The American Review, 1850

Genius condenses many eras into a lasting work, yet it still resembles the fleeting output of ordinary writers.

In simple terms: Genius creates timeless works that still feel like ordinary news.

Key Takeaway

Recognize the lasting impact of truly great ideas.

Themes

creativity legacy time

Mood

thoughtful inquisitive

Type

literary analytical

When to use this quote

  • writing
  • art criticism
  • education
  • cultural analysis

Key Concepts

literature history impact

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does society value lasting versus immediate contributions?
  • What makes a work endure beyond its era?
A Different Perspective

Genius can be misunderstood or dismissed in its own time.

3.1 out of 5 (9 ratings)

More by Nathaniel Hawthorne

Explore all 526 Nathaniel Hawthorne quotes

More Age quotes

Browse all 18,949 Age quotes