Speak of the moderns without contempt, and of the ancients without idolatry.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Respect modern times without hating them, and respect the past without worshipping it.
- In plain terms
- Be balanced about the past and present.
- What can you take from it?
- Avoid extremes in judging eras.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Do we worship the past too much?
- How do we judge eras?
Another view
Some modern or ancient ideas truly are harmful or good.
More from Philip Stanhope
Advice is seldom welcome; and those who want it the most always like it the least.
Permalink to quote #12 Wear your learning, like your watch, in a private pocket: and do not pull it out and strike it, merely to show that you have one.
Permalink to quote #14 Take the tone of the company you are in.
Permalink to quote #11
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