Who said “We are always doing something for Posterity, but I would fain see Posterity do something…”?

Verified

Joseph Addison. A published source records them saying or writing it.

SourceThe Spectator (1711–1714), No. 587 (20 August 1714)

Evidence: Wikiquote · How we check

Source checked · Something wrong? Report a correction

Authors A–Z
“We are always doing something for Posterity, but I would fain see Posterity do something for us.”
— Joseph Addison
VerifiedThe Spectator (1711–1714), No. 587 (20 August 1714) · evidencePosterity

Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: The Spectator (1711–1714), No. 587 (20 August 1714).

APA

Addison, J. (n.d.). We are always doing something for Posterity, but I would fain see Posterity do something for us. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/29349-we-are-always-doing-something-for-posterity-but/

MLA

Addison, Joseph. “We are always doing something for Posterity, but I would fain see Posterity do something for us.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/29349-we-are-always-doing-something-for-posterity-but/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Addison, Joseph. “We are always doing something for Posterity, but I would fain see Posterity do something for us.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/29349-we-are-always-doing-something-for-posterity-but/.

Related quotes

“After being Turned Down by numerous Publishers, he had decided to write for Posterity.”
— George Ade
Posterity

More quotes by Joseph Addison

“Rides in the whirlwind and directs the storm.”
VerifiedLine 287, the word "passed" was here originally spelt "past" but modern renditions have updated the spelling for clarity. An alteration of these lines occurs in Alexander Pope's satire The Dunciad, Book III, line 264, where he describes a contemporary theatre manager as an "Angel of Dulness" · evidenceDetails & citeEditing and Editors
All 84 Joseph Addison quotes →