Wisdom of the Past Quotes

Even hoar hairs [elderly scholars] have something to learn; and old age, it would seem, cannot in all respects be trusted for wisdom

We who are quotatious are never truly alone, but always hear the cheerful flow of remarks made by dead writers so much more intelligent than we.

The past is important for all the information and wisdom it holds. But you can get lost in it. You've got to learn to keep the knowledge of the past with you as you pursue the present.

History illumes reality, vitalizes memory, provides guidance in daily life

Babylon, Learned and wise, hath perished utterly, Nor leaves her speech one word to aid the sigh That would lament her.

We may be sure that the characteristic blindness of the twentieth century [...] lies where we have never suspected it [...] The only palliative is [...] by reading old books. [...] the books of the future would be just as good [...], but unfortunately we cannot get at them.

Blest is he whose heart is the home of the great dead and their great thoughts.

I leaf through the ancient philosophers and find my newest discoveries there.

Books permit us to voyage through time, to tap the wisdom of our ancestors.

Ask counsel of both timesof the ancient time what is best, and of the latter time what is fittest.

History is the teacher of life