People
No man is truly great who is great only in his lifetime. The test of greatness is the page of history.
— William Hazlitt ‧ Table Talk: Essays On Men And Manners (1821-1822)
Behind the line May contain spoilers.
Our reading
An editorial interpretation.
This argues that true greatness can't be judged in the moment; it only becomes real once history has had a chance to weigh someone's impact. Fame during a lifetime is fleeting and often hollow, but recognition that survives across generations is the genuine measure of lasting significance.
Context reviewed