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)

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“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
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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/.

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