Edmund Burke, (1729-1797) Irish-born British statesman, parliamentary orator, and political thinker Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Comment on this quote Share via Email Print this Page Edmund Burke Quote “People will not look forward to posterity who never look backward to their ancestors.”Edmund Burke ~ Edmund Burke (1729-1797) Irish-born British statesman, parliamentary orator, and political thinker Learning , History Ratings and Comments Reply Mike, Norwalk 7/1/10 1 Reply Justin, Elkland 7/1/10 Its a roundabout way of saying that we must learn from the past if we are to improve our future, but then the Irish do seem to like roundabouts. Reply RBESRQ 7/1/10 Trying to sell his book... look backwards by all means, but don't stay there to long. Reply Waffler, Smith 7/1/10 There has to be more to life than looking backwards and forwards, how about living for today or for the moment. You are just as important in the scheme of things than were your ancestors or will be your posterity. Reply Justin, Elkland 7/1/10 Waffler, are you talking about rational self-interest, or do you just mean men shouldn't think. Muskrats live for the moment. Potted plants live for the moment. Humanity's ability to form logical conclusions from past experiences and apply those conclusions to future problems is the only thing that separates us from the beasts. Reply zeitgeist, la crescenta, ca 7/1/10 Nice rejoinder to Waffler's Waffledribble, Justin. Reply Waffler, Smith 7/1/10 True Justin, ture. The quote just sort of struck me the other way. If our only purpose is to procreate (for posterity) and look back to honor and learn from our ancestors, is their any time for us to live our own lives. You got anyting against muskrats and potted plants, They to just like you have their place in the world. Reply hamid, kuala lumpuyr 7/1/10 very good Reply Anonymous 7/1/10 Muskrats and potted plants remind me of socialists. Reply E Archer, NYC 7/4/10 Waffler has no real stand on anything, only to disparage any attempt to get to the truth or to free ourselves from the statist tyranny that he so loves. The study of history reveals the techniques of the powerful to subdue and yoke the masses. Learn and you can avoid the pit, ignore and "be assimilated." SaveOk2 SaveOk2 View CommentsClick to view or comment. Share on Facebook Tweet Email Print This Edmund Burke quote is found in these categories: Learning quotes History quotes About Edmund Burke Bio of Edmund Burke Quotations by Edmund Burke Books by/about Edmund Burke Edmund Burke videos Edmund Burke on Wikipedia Astrological chart for Edmund Burke