The man who has not anything to boast of but his illustrious ancestors, is like a potato-the only good belonging to him is underground.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- A person who boasts only of ancestors is useless, with value only buried in the past.
- In plain terms
- Relying on ancestors is like a potato; only the buried part is good.
- What can you take from it?
- Your ancestors do not define your worth.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What makes your own worth?
- How do you view ancestry?
Another view
It uses an unflattering metaphor that may not apply to all.
More from Thomas Overbury
He disdains all things above his reach, and preferreth all countries above his own.
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