"Like the philosopher, the author views his task as one of establishing a clear connection between life and history, and of making the past bear fruit for the present and future"

This quote by Lion Feuchtwanger suggests that the author's task is to develop a meaningful link in between life and history. The author seeks to make the previous pertinent to the present and future. This is similar to the function of the thinker, who seeks to comprehend the world and its history in order to make sense of the present and plan for the future. The author's task is to make the previous meaningful and appropriate to today and future. By connecting life and history, the author can help people understand the present and plan for the future. The author's job is to make the previous bear fruit for today and future, so that individuals can learn from the past and utilize it to shape their lives.