Who said “When we build, let us think that we build for ever.”?

Verified

John Ruskin. A published source records them saying or writing it.

SourceThe Seven Lamps of Architecture (1849), Chapter VI: The Lamp of Memory, section 10

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Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: The Seven Lamps of Architecture (1849), Chapter VI: The Lamp of Memory, section 10.

APA

Ruskin, J. (n.d.). When we build, let us think that we build for ever. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/6988-when-we-build-let-us-think-that-we/

MLA

Ruskin, John. “When we build, let us think that we build for ever.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/6988-when-we-build-let-us-think-that-we/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Ruskin, John. “When we build, let us think that we build for ever.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/6988-when-we-build-let-us-think-that-we/.

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