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Contemporary Quote by Walter Scott

“What is a diary as a rule? A document useful to the person who keeps it. Dull to the contemporary who reads it and invaluable to the student, centuries afterwards, who treasures it.” quote by Walter Scott
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“What is a diary as a rule? A document useful to the person who keeps it. Dull to the contemporary who reads it and invaluable to the student, centuries afterwards, who treasures it.”

Walter Scott

About This Quote

Source Book: The Antiquary by Walter Scott, 1816

A diary serves its writer, may bore others now, but becomes priceless for future scholars.

In simple terms: Diaries help the writer, can be dull now, but valuable later.

Key Takeaway

Write for yourself, knowing future value.

Themes

writing history reflection

Mood

contemplative nostalgic

Type

reflective educational

When to use this quote

  • personal journaling
  • academic research
  • historical study

Key Concepts

personal narrative temporal value

Questions to Reflect On

  • How might you make your diary useful for future readers?
  • What value do you hope your diary will hold?
A Different Perspective

Future readers may misinterpret context without proper notes.

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