Few can be induced to labor exclusively for posterity; and none will do it enthusiastically. Posterity has done nothing for us; and theorize on it as we may, practically we shall do very little for it, unless we are made to think we are at the same time doing something for ourselves.

Summary

This quote suggests that people are generally not motivated to work solely for the benefit of future generations. The speaker argues that individuals are unlikely to be enthusiastic about laboring for posterity because they believe that future generations have not done anything for them. They further imply that people are more likely to actively contribute to the betterment of the future if they perceive it as beneficial for themselves in some way. Thus, the quote highlights the self-interest and lack of intrinsic motivation observed in individuals when it comes to dedicating efforts to secure a favorable future for humanity.

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