The true test of any scholar's work is not what his contemporaries say, but what happens to his work in the next 25 or 50 years. And the thing that I will really be proud of is if some of the work I have done is still cited in the text books long after I am gone.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Friedman believes the true value of scholarly work is determined by its longevity and citation decades later.
- In plain terms
- Great work is known by what lasts 25 or 50 years, not current praise.
- What can you take from it?
- True scholarly impact is measured by long-term relevance.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Does time validate ideas?
- What makes work last?
Another view
Contemporary recognition is often necessary for work to survive.
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