Those who compare the age in which their lot has fallen with a golden age which exists only in imagination, may talk of degeneracy and decay; but no man who is correctly informed as to the past, will be disposed to take a morose or desponding view of the present.

Summary

This quote suggests that people who constantly compare their present time to an idealized past era of greatness tend to perceive their current age as one of decline and deterioration. However, the quote argues that those with an accurate understanding of history will not adopt a negative or gloomy perspective of the present. Instead, they will recognize that every age has its unique strengths and weaknesses, encouraging a more balanced and optimistic outlook on the contemporary world.

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