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We all pay an involuntary homage to antiquity – a “blind…

“We all pay an involuntary homage to antiquity – a “blind homage,” as Bacon calls it in his “Novum Organum,” which tends greatly to the obstruction of truth. To the great majority of mortal eyes, Time sanctifies everything that he does not destroy. The mere fact of anything being spared by the…” quote by Charles Mackay
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““We all pay an involuntary homage to antiquity – a “blind homage,” as Bacon calls it in his “Novum Organum,” which tends greatly to the obstruction of truth. To the great majority of mortal eyes, Time sanctifies everything that he does not destroy. The mere fact of anything being spared by the great foe makes it a favourite with us, who are sure to fall his victims.””

Charles Mackay

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

We honor the past without questioning it, which often blocks truth; time preserves what it cannot destroy.

In simple terms: Blind respect for history hinders truth.

Key Takeaway

Question tradition to discover truth.

Themes

history truth philosophy

Mood

critical thoughtful

Type

philosophical analytical

When to use this quote

  • academic research
  • policy making
  • cultural debates
  • personal beliefs

Key Concepts

epistemology nostalgia

Questions to Reflect On

  • What assumptions do you accept unexamined?
  • How can you honor the past while seeking truth?
A Different Perspective

Blind reverence may ignore harmful legacies.

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