Skip to content
quotesby

About this quote

What does it mean?
Respects ancestors but prefers not to socialize with them personally.
In plain terms
Ancestors are good but I would not want to visit them.
What can you take from it?
Respect history but avoid imposing modern life on the past.

Where it applies

  • family history
  • heritage discussions

Putting it to work

  • Honor past without idolizing
  • Set boundaries

Questions to consider

  • How much should we follow ancestors?

Another view

The distinction between respect and acquaintance might seem odd.

More from Richard Brinsley Sheridan

  1. As headstrong as an allegory on the banks of the Nile.

    Permalink to quote #13
  2. No caparisons, miss, if you please. Caparisons don't become a young woman.

    Permalink to quote #15
  3. If I reprehend anything in this world, it is the use of my oracular tongue, and a nice derangement of epitaphs!

    Permalink to quote #12

Related quotes

  1. The wisdom of our ancestors.

    Edmund BurkeEdmund Burke quote #5
  2. Pardon, old fathers, if you still remain Somewhere in ear-shot for the story's end.

    William Butler YeatsWilliam Butler Yeats quote #62
  3. Think of your forefathers! Think of your posterity!

    John AdamsJohn Adams quote #95