Doubt Quote by Samuel Butler
“When a man is in doubt about this or that in his writing, it will often guide him if he asks himself how it will tell a hundred years hence.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Way of All Flesh, 1903, Novel
Writers should anticipate how their work will be judged by future generations, guiding present choices.
In simple terms: Consider future readers when writing.
Key Takeaway
Write with timeless relevance.
Themes
literature
legacy
foresight
Mood
philosophical
thought‑provoking
Type
literary
advice
When to use this quote
- historical novels
- academic essays
- policy drafting
- family histories
Key Concepts
historical impact
ethical storytelling
cultural memory
Questions to Reflect On
- What values do you want your work to embody?
- How might future contexts reshape your message?
A Different Perspective
Predicting future interpretation is uncertain.
