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Every tradition grows continually more venerable, and the more remote its origins, the more this is lost sight of. The veneration paid the tradition accumulates from generation to generation, until it at last becomes holy and excites awe.
Friedrich Nietzsche
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Traditions gain respect over time, often losing sight of their original context and meaning.

Friedrich Nietzsche's quote speaks to the way traditions evolve and acquire a sense of reverence over time. As they are passed down through generations, the original meanings and contexts may become obscured, leading to a blind veneration that can elevate them to a status of holiness and awe, detached from their origins.

Themes

TraditionVenerationHistoryMeaningEvolution

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech discussing cultural heritage that emphasizes the value of respecting traditions.

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