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Competition of praise inclineth to a reverence of…

“Competition of praise inclineth to a reverence of antiquity. For men contend with the living, not with the dead.” quote by Thomas Hobbes
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“Competition of praise inclineth to a reverence of antiquity. For men contend with the living, not with the dead.”

Thomas Hobbes

About This Quote

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

People admire the past more than the present, valuing ancient achievements while competing with contemporaries.

In simple terms: We revere antiquity while focusing on current rivals.

Key Takeaway

Balance respect for history with present action.

Themes

history competition philosophy

Mood

reflective critical

Type

historical analytical

When to use this quote

  • academic research
  • cultural preservation
  • career advancement

Key Concepts

temporal bias social comparison

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does reverence for the past affect your goals?
  • Can you learn from history without being stuck in it?
A Different Perspective

Over‑idealizing the past can hinder innovation.

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