Age Quote by Edward Robert Harrison
“Human beings of all societies in all periods of history believe that their ideas on the nature of the real world are the most secure, and that their ideas on religion, ethics and justice are the most enlightened. Like us, they think that final knowledge is at last within reach. Like us, they pity the people in earlier ages for not knowing the true facts. Unfailingly, human beings pity their ancestors for being so ignorant and forget that their descendants will pity them for the same reason.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Evolution of the Ancient World by Edward Robert Harrison, 1992
People across time think their worldview is superior and view past societies as ignorant, forgetting future generations will judge them similarly.
In simple terms: Humans see their ideas as best and look down on past peoples.
Key Takeaway
Recognize humility and the limits of current knowledge.
Themes
humility
historical perspective
relativism
Mood
reflective
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
cultural analysis
When to use this quote
- education curricula
- public discourse
- policy making
- intergenerational dialogue
Key Concepts
cognitive bias
ethnocentrism
epistemic humility
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we foster humility in our own beliefs?
- What mechanisms can reduce intergenerational judgment?
A Different Perspective
Assumes all societies share the same self‑importance, which may not hold universally.
