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I'd rather be at the end of a dying tradition, which I admire, than at the beginning of a tradition which I deplore.
Margaret Drabble
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote reflects the idea of valuing enduring traditions over starting new ones that are unappealing.

Margaret Drabble's quote emphasizes the importance of appreciating established traditions, even if they are in decline, rather than embracing new traditions that do not resonate positively. It implies that there is beauty and worth in honoring what has come before, particularly when juxtaposed with the discomfort of new ideals that do not align with one's values or beliefs.

Themes

TraditionChangeValuesAdmirationDeplore

In practice

Example use cases

A speech at a cultural festival honoring historical practices in a modern context.

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Our desire to conform is greater than our respect for objective facts.
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