It is indeed a desirable thing to be well-descended, but the glory belongs to our ancestors.
Interpretation
Our lineage may provide us with honor, but true glory comes from the achievements of those who came before us.
This quote by Plutarch emphasizes the value of ancestry and heritage while stating that the true glory of a person's status should be attributed to their ancestors' accomplishments rather than their own social standing or lineage. It reflects on how one's background can influence opportunities but underscores the importance of recognizing and honoring those who have paved the way.
In practice
During a family reunion, one might quote this to reflect on the family's history.
Sometimes small incidents, rather than glorious exploits, give us the best evidence of character. So, as portrait painters are more exact in doing the face, where the character is revealed, than the rest of the body, I must be allowed to give my more particular attention to the marks of the souls of men.
It were better to have no opinion of God at all than such a one as is unworthy of him; for the one is only belief - the other contempt.
Come back with your shield - or on it
The richest soil, if uncultivated, produces the rankest weeds.
For the correct analogy for the mind is not a vessel that needs filling, but wood that needs igniting.
Our senses through ignorance of Reality, falsely tell us that what appears to be, is. FEAR = False Evidence Appearing Real
Patanjali, declares that the true secret of evolution is the manifestation of the perfection which is already in every being; that this perfection has been barred and the infinite tide behind is struggling to express itself. These struggles and competitions are but the results of our ignorance, because we do not know the proper way to unlock the gate and let the water in. This infinite tide behind must express itself; it is the cause of all manifestation.
Religion increasingly is tending to degenerate into a decent formula wherewith to embellish a comfortable life.
Nothing makes one so vain as being told that one is a sinner.
The worldly comforts are not for me. I am like a traveler, who takes rest under a tree in the shade and then goes on his way.
The teachings of Christianity - from vicarious redemption to the love of enemies, no thought for the morrow need be taken, that no thrift or care or family or society or solidarity is necessary - these are immoral teachings that have done and continue to inflict untold moral and physical harm on our species. And until we outgrow this nonsense, we have no chance of emancipating ourselves.
If I could reach from pole to pole_x000D_ or grasp the ocean with a span,_x000D_ I would be measured by the soul_x000D_ The mind's the standard of the Man.
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