Man is made of the wholly common, and custom is his nurse…
“Man is made of the wholly common, and custom is his nurse; woe then to them who lay irreverent hands on his old house-furniture, the dear inheritance from his forefathers: For time consecrates, and what is gray with age becomes religion.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
People are shaped by ordinary customs and traditions; disrespecting ancestral heritage is foolish because time sanctifies age‑old practices.
In simple terms: Customs shape us; disrespecting tradition is unwise.
Key Takeaway
Respect and preserve traditions.
Themes
tradition
respect
heritage
society
customs
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
cautious
Type
philosophical
cultural
historical
When to use this quote
- family gatherings
- community rituals
- preserving historic sites
- teaching history
- maintaining cultural practices
Key Concepts
cultural continuity
social identity
intergenerational values
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance respect for tradition with necessary change?
- When is it appropriate to challenge inherited customs?
A Different Perspective
Modern change can improve outdated customs, so blind reverence may hinder progress.