"La flatterie de la postérité ne vaut guère plus que la flatterie contemporaine qui ne vaut rien"

The idea behind this quote is pretty straightforward. It suggests that seeking praise and recognition from future generations isn't much more valuable than seeking it from those around you right now—and honestly, the praise you get now isn't worth all that much either. In other words, both contemporary and future flattery are kind of pointless. You're better off not letting either dictate your actions or self-worth.

Let's dip into some historical context. Think about the time of ancient philosophers like Marcus Aurelius, the Roman emperor and a stoic philosopher. He often mused about the fleeting nature of fame and recognition. Back in his time, and even now, people were obsessed with legacy. Who doesn't want to be remembered as great? But he had the wisdom to see that what people think of you—now or in the future—has little real value.

Imagine you’re an artist. You pour everything into your work, hoping it will be admired, not just today but for centuries. Vincent Van Gogh comes to mind. During his life, he was hardly recognized. He sold just one painting. Imagine the frustration—he lived in poverty, barely able to afford basic supplies, yet he continued to paint. Fast forward to today, and his works are considered masterpieces. But did this posthumous fame do anything for him while he was alive? Not really. It didn't feed him, clothe him, or shelter him.

So, what’s the advice here? Focus on the work itself. If you’re creating art, building a business, or pursuing any passion, do it because it fulfills you, not because you’re chasing applause. The satisfaction should come from the process, not the approval.

Picture this scenario: You’re at a small gig in a local coffee shop, pouring your heart into a song you wrote. There’s a small crowd, they're kind of distracted, but a couple of folks are really listening. One person comes up afterward and says, “That really touched me.” Now, you could spend your time chasing bigger venues and larger crowds, thinking that will finally validate your work. Or, you could cherish that genuine connection you made with one person. Which one do you think will truly enrich your life?

For those of us who are always looking for external validation—whether it's from our peers or future generations—this quote is a wake-up call. Try not to let the pursuit of recognition steer your ship. Keep your focus on the here and now, and on the intrinsic rewards of what you do.

So, next time you find yourself fishing for compliments or daydreaming about your future legacy, take a step back. Remember that the real treasure is in the doing, in the creation, in those small, authentic moments of connection. That’s where you’ll find something genuinely worthwhile. The rest? Just noise.