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What was very stylish yesterday is today very boorish, but…

“What was very stylish yesterday is today very boorish, but the wheel turns, and what today is good-for-nothing will surely melt our hearts tomorrow or the day after. Don't throw out your old epigraphs: they could be useful to your grandchildren, if they still know how to read.” quote by Gérard Genette
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““What was very stylish yesterday is today very boorish, but the wheel turns, and what today is good-for-nothing will surely melt our hearts tomorrow or the day after. Don't throw out your old epigraphs: they could be useful to your grandchildren, if they still know how to read.””

Gérard Genette

About This Quote

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

Trends shift from admired to outdated, then become cherished later; old ideas can gain new value.

In simple terms: Old ideas become valuable over time.

Key Takeaway

Preserve and revisit past ideas.

Themes

change culture nostalgia trend cycles valuation

Mood

contemplative nostalgic

Type

Yesterday:0 Yesterday Today:0 Today Good:0 Stylish Yesterday:0 Today Boorish:0

When to use this quote

  • fashion design
  • academic research
  • personal archiving

Key Concepts

sociology history cultural studies

Questions to Reflect On

  • Which outdated idea could you revive?
  • How do you decide what to keep?
A Different Perspective

What is considered “old” today may be valuable tomorrow.

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