Ancient Quote by Anne Rice
“All the stories I have told you are finally as useless as all ancient knowledge is to man and to us. Its images and its poetry can be beautiful; it can make us shiver with the recognition of things we have always suspected or felt. It can draw us back to times when the earth was new to man, and wondrous. But always we come back to the way the earth is now.”
About This Quote
The quote reflects on the limited practical value of ancient stories and knowledge, while acknowledging their aesthetic and emotional power to evoke wonder and timeless truths, ultimately grounding us in present reality.
In simple terms: Ancient narratives inspire awe but lack practical utility today.
Key Takeaway
Stories are beautiful yet ultimately irrelevant to modern life.
Themes
transience
aesthetic appreciation
historical perspective
human curiosity
reality grounding
Mood
nostalgic
reflective
awe-inspired
Type
philosophical
literary
reflective
When to use this quote
- artistic inspiration
- philosophical contemplation
- cultural education
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
storytelling
knowledge
beauty
time
Practical Applications
- creative writing
- historical analysis
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we balance reverence for the past with present needs?
- What role should ancient narratives play in modern society?
![“In these days [1908], when all things and memories of the past are at length become not only subservient to, but submerged by, the matters and needs of the immediate present, those paths of knowledge that lead into regions seemingly remote from such needs are somewhat discredited; and the aims of…” quote by Battiscombe G. Gunn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/fa3/battiscombe-g-gunn-124290_life_in-these-days-1908-when-all-things-and-m_302470.jpg)
