Quote by Henry Ward Beecher
What we call wisdom is the result of all the wisdom of past ages. Our best institutions are like young trees growing upon the roots of the old trunks that have crumbled away.
Summary
This quote suggests that wisdom is not an individual achievement, but rather a collective accumulation of knowledge and experiences from past generations. It implies that what we consider as wisdom today is built upon the lessons and insights of the past. Similarly, our institutions, which are seen as the best in society, are compared to young trees that draw their strength and nourishment from the ancient trunks that have decayed over time. Therefore, the quote highlights the importance of learning from history and valuing the foundation on which our present understanding and institutions are built.