TOMB, n. The House of Indifference. Tombs are now by…
“TOMB, n. The House of Indifference. Tombs are now by common consent invested with a certain sanctity, but when they have been long tenanted it is considered no sin to break them open and rifle them, the famous Egyptologist, Dr. Huggyns, explaining that a tomb may be innocently glened as soon as its occupant is done smellynge, the soul being then all exhaled. This reasonable view is now generally accepted by archaeologists, whereby the noble science of Curiosity has been greatly dignified.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The quote satirically describes how society treats tombs as sacred only until they become useful for profit, then they are looted without moral concern.
In simple terms: People respect things only while they benefit them.
Key Takeaway
Beware of exploiting what should be respected.
Themes
satire
death
materialism
ethics
Mood
cynical
critical
Type
satirical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- archaeology
- museum curation
- heritage preservation
- ethical debates
Key Concepts
cultural relativism
exploitation
mortality
Questions to Reflect On
- What does true respect for the past look like?
- How can we balance curiosity with reverence?
A Different Perspective
It ignores the intrinsic value of respecting the dead beyond utility.