Life Quote by Battiscombe G. Gunn
![“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)
““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 those that follow them whither they lead are regarded as quite out of touch with the real interests of life. Very greatly is this so with archaeology, and the study of ancient and curious tongues, and searchings into old thoughts on high and ever-insistent questions; a public which has hardly time to read more than its daily newspaper and its weekly novel has denounced - almost dismissed - them, with many other noble and wonderful things, as 'unpractical,' whatever that vague and hollow word may mean.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Times, 1908, “The Unpractical Arts”
The author laments modern society’s focus on immediate needs, devaluing scholarly pursuits like archaeology and linguistics as irrelevant.
In simple terms: People ignore deep study because they think it useless.
Key Takeaway
Value long‑term knowledge despite short‑term pressures.
Themes
culture
knowledge
modernity
valuation
scholarship
Mood
reflective
concerned
Type
critical
observational
When to use this quote
- education policy
- museum curation
- academic research
- public outreach
Key Concepts
practicality
historical consciousness
intellectual humility
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we make ancient studies feel relevant today?
- What benefits arise from preserving “impractical” knowledge?
