"Author: A fool who, not content with having bored those who have lived with him, insists on tormenting generations to come"

This quote by Baron de Montesquieu is a criticism of authors who compose works that are not only uninviting to their contemporaries, but also to future generations. He is suggesting that these authors are foolish for ruling out the effect of their work on future readers. He implies that these authors are not just wasting their own time, however also the time of those who will follow them. He is suggesting that these authors are not just self-centered, however also irresponsible.

The quote likewise implies that authors must bear in mind the tradition they are leaving. They must make every effort to produce works that will be valued by both their contemporaries and future generations. Montesquieu is suggesting that authors must be more thoughtful and considerate when producing their works, and that they must not be content with just tiring their contemporaries.