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About this quote

What does it mean?
When building, think of creating something that will last forever.
In plain terms
Build with eternity in mind.
What can you take from it?
Consider long‑term durability in construction.

Where it applies

  • urban development
  • product design

Putting it to work

  • use durable materials

Questions to consider

  • What trade‑offs are needed for lasting structures?
  • How does future planning affect current design?

Another view

True eternity is impossible; practical limits exist.

More from John Ruskin

  1. Work first and then rest. Work first, and then gaze, but do not use golden ploughshares, nor bind ledgers in enamel.

    Permalink to quote #21
  2. How false is the conception, how frantic the pursuit, of that treacherous phantom which men call Liberty.

    Permalink to quote #23
  3. I do not believe that ever any building was truly great, unless it had mighty masses, vigorous and deep, of shadow mingled with its surface.

    Permalink to quote #20

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