---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: 62. It is neither wise nor laudable to…"
description: "\"“62. It is neither wise nor laudable to reduce everything to antiquity by every possible device. Thus, to cite some instances, one would be straying fr..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d84/pope-pius-xii-10088_catholic_62-it-is-neither-wise-nor-laudable-to-re_2160731.jpg"
---

#  62. It is neither wise nor laudable to reduce everything…

![“62. It is neither wise nor laudable to reduce everything to antiquity by every possible device. Thus, to cite some instances, one would be straying from the straight path were he to wish the altar restored to its primitive table form; were he to want black excluded as a color for the liturgical…” quote by Pope Pius XII](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d84/pope-pius-xii-10088_catholic_62-it-is-neither-wise-nor-laudable-to-re_2160731.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d84/pope-pius-xii-10088_catholic_62-it-is-neither-wise-nor-laudable-to-re_2160731.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d84/pope-pius-xii-10088_catholic_62-it-is-neither-wise-nor-laudable-to-re_2160731.jpg)

> ““62. It is neither wise nor laudable to reduce everything to antiquity by every possible device. Thus, to cite some instances, one would be straying from the straight path were he to wish the altar restored to its primitive table form; were he to want black excluded as a color for the liturgical vestments; were he to forbid the use of sacred images and statues in Churches; were he to order the crucifixes designed that the Divine Redeemer's Body shows no trace of His cruel sufferings; lastly were he to disdain and reject polyphonic music or singing in parts, even where it conforms to regulations issued by the Holy See.””

[Pope Pius XII](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pope-pius-xii/)

## About This Quote

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

He warns against rigidly reverting to ancient practices, urging balance between tradition and contemporary needs.

**In simple terms:** Blindly restoring old forms can hinder faith.

Key Takeaway

Seek thoughtful reform, not mere nostalgia.

Themes

tradition modernity faith liturgical practice artistic expression

Mood

cautious analytical

Type

theological cultural

When to use this quote

- church reforms
- artistic liturgy
- educational programs
- faith communities

Key Concepts

theology cultural adaptation

Questions to Reflect On

- When is tradition essential?
- How can modernity respect sacred symbols?

A Different Perspective

May undervalue legitimate reasons for preserving heritage.

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