"It is not likely that posterity will fall in love with us, but not impossible that it may respect or sympathize; so a man would rather leave behind him the portrait of his spirit than a portrait of his face"
- Robert Louis Stevenson
About this Quote
This quote by Robert Louis Stevenson speaks to the concept that our tradition is more vital than our physical appearance. He suggests that while it is not likely that future generations will fall for us, it is possible that they might respect or have compassion with us. He is suggesting that we need to concentrate on leaving a picture of our spirit, rather than a picture of our face. This speaks with the idea that our character and worths are more important than our physical appearance. It is our spirit that will be remembered and appreciated by future generations, not our physical functions. Stevenson's quote motivates us to concentrate on developing our character and worths, as this is what will be remembered by future generations.
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