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About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker expresses deep appreciation for tradition and longevity in relationships, culture, and substances.
In plain terms
Old things like friends and books are better.
What can you take from it?
Value tradition and long-held connections.

Where it applies

  • collecting
  • socializing
  • cultural preservation

Putting it to work

  • nurture old friendships
  • read classics
  • preserve history

Questions to consider

  • What do old things teach us?
  • Is new always better?

Another view

Not everything old is good; progress matters too.

More from Oliver Goldsmith

  1. In my time, the follies of the town crept slowly among us, but now they travel faster than a stagecoach.

    Permalink to quote #69
  2. The very pink of perfection.

    Permalink to quote #71
  3. Thou source of all my bliss, and all my woe, That found'st me poor at first, and keep'st me so.

    Permalink to quote #68

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