We may be through with the past, but the past is not through with us. Ideas of the Stone Age exist side by side with the latest scientific thought. Only a fraction of mankind has emerged from the Dark Ages, and in the most lucid brains, as Logan Pearsall Smith has said, we come upon nests of woolly caterpillars. Seemingly sane men entrust their wealth to stargazers and their health to witch doctors. Giant planes throb through the stratosphere, but half their passengers are wearing magic amulets and are protected from harm by voodoo incantations. Hotels boast of express elevators and a telephone in every room, but omit thirteen from all floor and room numbers lest their guests be ill at ease.

Summary

This quote suggests that although we may believe we have moved on from the past and advanced in terms of knowledge and progress, remnants from ancient times still linger within our society. It argues that despite scientific advancements, some people still hold onto outdated beliefs and practices. The juxtaposition of modern technology, like airplanes and express elevators, with superstitious customs and irrational fears, such as wearing magic amulets or avoiding the number thirteen, highlights the contradiction between our advancements and the persistence of irrational beliefs and behaviors in our lives. Overall, the quote implies that elements of our past continue to influence and affect us even in the present era.

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