Age Quote by Washington Irving
“To occupy an inch of dusty shelf-to have the title of their works read now and then in a future age by some drowsy churchman or casual straggler, and in another age to be lost, even to remembrance. Such is the amount of boasted immortality.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "The Immortality of Books", 1822
He critiques the fleeting nature of fame, noting that even celebrated works can be forgotten over time.
In simple terms: Fame is temporary; works may be lost.
Key Takeaway
Value lasting impact over fleeting recognition.
Themes
legacy
fame
impermanence
literature
history
Mood
cautious
thoughtful
Type
literary criticism
philosophical
When to use this quote
- library cataloging
- academic study
- publishing decisions
Key Concepts
ephemerality
cultural memory
authorial ambition
Questions to Reflect On
- What determines which works endure?
- How does fame affect creative motivation?
A Different Perspective
Not all celebrated works survive; cultural relevance changes.
