posterity
What does "posterity" mean?
Posterity refers to all future generations of people. It is often used in the context of legacy, where one acts or creates something today with the hope that it will be remembered, appreciated, or useful to those who come long after we are gone. The word carries a sense of weight and historical responsibility. It is most commonly found in formal writing, legal documents, or grand rhetoric, often appearing in phrases like "for the sake of posterity" or "leave to posterity." It is rarely used in casual, everyday conversation.
"posterity" in conversation
Archivist discussing a time capsule
Should we include the digital files in the time capsule?
Should we include the digital files in the time capsule?
Probably not, the formats will be obsolete. Let's stick to paper for posterity.
Probably not, the formats will be obsolete. Let's stick to paper for posterity.
Used to emphasize the desire for long-term preservation.
Historian reflecting on a landmark
This building is falling apart, but the city won't renovate it.
This building is falling apart, but the city won't renovate it.
That's a shame. It's a vital piece of history that we're failing to protect for posterity.
That's a shame. It's a vital piece of history that we're failing to protect for posterity.
Used to highlight the moral obligation to future generations.
"posterity" in a sentence
We must preserve these documents for posterity.
We must preserve these documents for posterity.
The artist hoped his work would be judged kindly by posterity.
The artist hoped his work would be judged kindly by posterity.
Future historians will look back at this era and decide what our legacy to posterity truly was.
Future historians will look back at this era and decide what our legacy to posterity truly was.
