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About this quote

What does it mean?
People often treat future generations as if they are merely tools for current purposes.
In plain terms
Some act like the future exists only to carry their burdens.
What can you take from it?
Do not exploit the future for present convenience.

Where it applies

  • policy making
  • environmental planning
  • historical review

Putting it to work

  • considering long term impact
  • avoiding short term gains

Questions to consider

  • What burden are you leaving behind?
  • Who pays for current decisions?

Another view

It criticizes the intent without addressing practical constraints of governance.

More from Benjamin Disraeli

  1. Posterity is a most limited assembly. Those gentlemen who reach posterity are not much more numerous than the planets.

    Permalink to quote #26
  2. Colonies do not cease to be colonies because they are independent.

    Permalink to quote #28
  3. How much easier it is to be critical than to be correct.

    Permalink to quote #25

Related quotes

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  3. We must strive to become good ancestors.

    Ralph NaderRalph Nader quote #8