The quote, "All the past is here, present to be tried; let it approve itself if it can," suggests that our past, with all its experiences, mistakes, and lessons, is always with us, shaping our present and future. It implies that our past is continually on trial, being judged and re-evaluated based on our current understanding and perspective.
The phrase "present to be tried" alludes to the idea that our past actions, decisions, and experiences are not set in stone but are instead open to scrutiny and reinterpretation. It’s as if the past is a defendant in a court case, with the present serving as the judge. This could mean re-evaluating past decisions in light of new information or experiences, or it might involve coming to terms with past mistakes and learning from them.
"Let it approve itself if it can," suggests that the past has to justify or validate itself. This could mean that we should not accept our past actions or decisions uncritically, but rather question them and learn from them. It also implies a level of detachment from the past, suggesting that we should not let our past define us, but rather see it as something separate that can be analyzed and learned from.
In today’s world, this idea is particularly relevant. We live in a time of rapid change, where new information and perspectives are constantly emerging. This makes it especially important to be able to re-evaluate our past decisions and beliefs in light of new information. It also underscores the importance of learning from our past, rather than simply accepting it as it is.
In terms of personal development, this quote suggests the importance of self-reflection and self-criticism. By continually re-evaluating our past actions and decisions, we can learn from our mistakes and grow as individuals. It also suggests that we should not let our past define us, but rather see it as a part of us that can be analyzed, understood, and ultimately transcended. This can lead to personal growth and self-improvement, as we learn to make better decisions and become more self-aware.
