If a thing is old, it is a sign that it was fit to live. Old families, old customs, old styles survive because they are fit to survive. The guarantee of continuity is quality. Submerge the good in a flood of the new, and good will come back to join the good which the new brings with it. Old-fashioned hospitality, old-fashioned politeness, old-fashioned honor in business had qualities of survival. These will come back.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the value of enduring qualities in traditions and customs that have proven their worth over time.
Eddie Rickenbacker suggests that the longevity of certain traditions, families, and customs indicates their inherent value and quality. He argues that while new ideas and styles flood society, the fundamental, quality aspects of the old will eventually resurgence, as they possess the qualities essential for survival and continuity. Traditions like hospitality, politeness, and honor are examples of qualities that withstand the test of time and will reemerge even amidst the influx of new trends.
In practice
During a family gathering, one might quote this to emphasize the importance of maintaining family traditions.
When I was racing, I had learned that you can't set stock in public adoration or your press clippings. By the time I was 26, I'd heard crowds of 100,000 scream my name, but a week later they couldn't remember who I was. You're a hero today and a bum tomorrow - hero to zero, I sometimes say.
We should never rush into folly just because other nations are practicing it.
Hug the shore; let others try the deep.
If you wish to make Pythocles rich, do not add to his store of money, but subtract from his desires.
Run my dear,_x000D_ From anything_x000D_ That may not strengthen_x000D_ Your precious budding wings.
Sometimes it's worse to win a fight than to lose.
If you haven't met Satan face to face, it's because you are running in the same direction.
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