Who could look on these monuments without reflecting on the vanity of mortals in thus offering up testimonials of their respect for persons of whose very names posterity is ignorant?

Summary

This quote questions the significance of monuments by highlighting the inherent vanity of those who erect them. It suggests that these structures, intended to honor and remember certain individuals, ultimately become irrelevant as time passes and subsequent generations forget the names and accomplishments of those being memorialized. The quote invites the audience to reflect on the transience of fame and the futile nature of seeking external recognition.

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