If a thing is old, it is a sign that it was fit to live…
“If a thing is old, it is a sign that it was fit to live. Old families, old customs, old styles survive because they are fit to survive. The guarantee of continuity is quality. Submerge the good in a flood of the new, and good will come back to join the good which the new brings with it. Old-fashioned hospitality, old-fashioned politeness, old-fashioned honor in business had qualities of survival. These will come back.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Old traditions survive because they are fit for survival; blending them with new ideas ensures continuity.
In simple terms: Old customs survive because they work.
Key Takeaway
Preserve quality while embracing innovation.
Themes
tradition
quality
continuity
Mood
reflective
pragmatic
Type
historical
practical
When to use this quote
- family business
- heritage preservation
- design
- education
Key Concepts
cultural resilience
innovation integration
Questions to Reflect On
- What old practices still serve you?
- How can you merge tradition with modernity?
A Different Perspective
New ideas may clash with entrenched habits.