"With sincere modesty, if there is such a thing, I have never thought of legacy at all. I am always grateful if people like what I have done. A legacy is something no one can forsee"

In this quote, singer and songwriter Tom Glazer reflects on his individual viewpoint relating to legacy and acknowledgment. The phrase "With sincere modesty, if there is such a thing" introduces an intriguing paradox about humbleness. Glazer recommends that authentic modesty might be uncommon or perhaps contradictory, as true modesty would not acknowledge itself. This sets the tone for the rest of the quote, where he discusses his outlook on imaginative work and its long-lasting impact.

Glazer states, "I have actually never thought of tradition at all", highlighting a concentrate on the intrinsic worth and delight of creative pursuits rather than their long-term implications or societal impact. By not focusing on tradition, Glazer reveals a frame of mind that prioritizes the present and the immediate fulfillment of his work. Simply put, he strives to develop without the concern of thinking of how he will be remembered or the pressure to leave a long lasting mark.

"I am constantly grateful if people like what I have done", reveals Glazer's gratitude for recognition and acceptance from his audience. He values favorable reception however does not view it as a driving force or supreme goal. His appreciation is not tied to a quest for fame or influence, however rather an easy recommendation of human connection and shared enjoyment.

Lastly, "A tradition is something no one can predict" resonates with the unpredictability of how a person's work will be viewed with time. In spite of desires to control or forecast the future, Glazer acknowledges that legacy is typically shaped by factors beyond one's lifetime. He suggests that attempts to engineer a specific tradition are futile due to the fact that it evolves in ways we can not anticipate. This viewpoint motivates living and creating art seriously, without substantial issue for the permanence of one's impact, lining up one's focus more on present actions than on uncertain future understandings. Therefore, Glazer advocates for imagination driven by passion rather than the pursuit of an enduring legacy.