Meaning: This quote by Georg Brandes, a Danish critic and scholar, speaks to the idea that as time progresses, errors and misconceptions are eventually discarded, and what remains is the truth, which becomes the legacy of humanity. Brandes was a prominent figure in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, known for his influential literary criticism and his role in introducing Scandinavian literature to a wider European audience. Through his work, Brandes advocated for a more realistic and critical approach to literature, and his ideas had a significant impact on the literary and cultural landscape of his time.

The quote reflects Brandes' belief in the progressive nature of human knowledge and understanding. He suggests that as time moves forward, errors and falsehoods are gradually eliminated, and what endures is the enduring truth. This idea aligns with the broader concept of progress in human society, where knowledge and understanding are continuously evolving, and misconceptions are eventually corrected or discarded.

Brandes' perspective can be seen as optimistic, as it implies that despite the presence of errors and misconceptions in the present, these will ultimately be swept away by the passage of time, allowing the truth to prevail. This idea has resonance in various fields, including science, philosophy, and literature, where the accumulation of knowledge and the refinement of ideas over time lead to a clearer and more accurate understanding of the world.

In the context of literature and cultural heritage, Brandes' quote suggests that works of enduring value and significance will withstand the test of time, while lesser works and misconceptions will fade away. This aligns with Brandes' own critical approach, which emphasized the importance of realism and truthfulness in literature. He believed that literature should reflect the realities of human experience and that works of lasting value would endure beyond their contemporary context.

The quote also speaks to the idea of legacy and inheritance. Brandes suggests that the truth, once revealed and established, becomes the inheritance of humanity, passed down from one generation to the next. This can be interpreted as a call to seek and preserve the truth in all its forms, whether in literature, history, science, or other areas of human knowledge. By doing so, humanity ensures that its collective inheritance is one of truth and understanding, rather than error and misconception.

Georg Brandes' quote continues to resonate in contemporary discourse, where the pursuit of truth and the correction of errors remain essential aspects of intellectual and cultural progress. In an age of rapid information exchange and evolving perspectives, the idea that the stream of time sweeps away errors and leaves the truth as humanity's inheritance serves as a reminder of the enduring value of seeking and preserving the truth. It also underscores the importance of critical thinking, open-mindedness, and a willingness to challenge and revise existing beliefs and assumptions.

In conclusion, Georg Brandes' quote encapsulates his belief in the progressive nature of human understanding and the enduring legacy of truth. It reflects his advocacy for a more critical and realistic approach to literature and culture, as well as his optimism about the ability of humanity to overcome errors and misconceptions. The quote serves as a reminder of the ongoing pursuit of truth and the importance of embracing knowledge that withstands the test of time.