I believe the past holds much truth that should be respected and guarded.  It is the 'Traditions and accepted procedures' of the past that the midling minds of the present are so quick to mindlessly guard.  It is the duty of historians and philosophers to examine our history and develop a guide map toward the future that deals honestly with the needs and actions of the past, the present, and the future.   

I believe that M.Maeterlinck likely meant this.  It isoftne hard to take a quote out of context and transfer its meaning as the author intended.   Particularly if it moves through translation.