This quote suggests that we should look to the past, to the standards and values of other eras, and adapt them to our current circumstances. It implies that there is wisdom in the past that can be beneficial to us today, if we are willing to adapt and interpret it in the context of our present time.
It doesn’t suggest that we blindly follow old standards, but rather, we use them as a foundation upon which we can build. For instance, the values of honesty, integrity, and respect are timeless, and can be adapted to fit any era or situation.
In today’s world, this idea could be applied in many ways. For example, in the realm of technology, we can look at the standards set by inventors and innovators of the past, and adapt them to our current technological landscape. This doesn’t mean we revert back to using outdated technology, but rather we learn from the principles and ideas that guided these past innovations, and apply them to our current work.
In terms of personal development, this quote suggests that we can learn from the wisdom and experiences of those who came before us. This could mean reading classic literature, studying history, or seeking advice from older generations. By understanding their values and standards, we can adapt them to our own lives, helping us to grow and develop as individuals.
However, it’s important to remember that the goal isn’t to replicate the past, but to adapt it. This requires critical thinking and discernment, to take what is valuable and relevant from the past, and leave behind what is not. This process of adaptation allows us to build upon the past, rather than simply repeat it.