“An author is a fool who, not content with boring those he lives with, insists on boring future generations.”
- January 18, 1689 – February 10, 1755
- French
- Political Philosopher, Jurist, Author of The Spirit of the Laws
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Quote
“An author is a fool who, not content with boring those he lives with, insists on boring future generations.”
Explanation
Montesquieu delivers this remark with characteristic irony, poking fun at the vanity and ambition often found in writers. He suggests that some authors, far from enlightening or entertaining their contemporaries, are so enamored with their own thoughts that they attempt to impose their dullness not just on the present, but on posterity. The quote is a satirical jab at literary self-importance and the illusion of immortality through publication.
This self-deprecating tone reflects Montesquieu’s Enlightenment wit and skepticism. Although he himself was a prolific and influential author, he was acutely aware of how easily writing can become pedantic, self-indulgent, or irrelevant. His comment is not an attack on literature itself, but a reminder that true value in writing comes from engaging, thoughtful, and meaningful content—not from the mere act of recording words for the ages.
In today’s world of mass publication and digital permanence, the quote is more relevant than ever. It cautions writers and content creators to ask whether their work contributes insight or simply adds noise. Montesquieu’s humor serves as both a critique and a challenge: to write not for vanity, but for genuine connection with readers—present and future.
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