Leave the Past in the Past

Is that the same as the Christian quote : Let the dead bury the dead? I never really understood this biblical quote. How is the dead to bury themselves? Does it mean that the people who concern themselves with the cultural and health related practice of burying the dead, are themselves dead? Should the dead be tossed out to rut in the open? Would the tossing of the body constitute burial? So should it be left to decay where it died? Maybe it was just a quote for an instant not be used in any other context.

Alright alright I am being too literal. But both quotes suggest a disconnect of present and past,right? That what is done is done and all concerned need to forget about it? Or is it that the advice is not to dwell on the past b/c one can't change it?

The quote in the title I hear it often during Black History month. I also hear it when others mostly black people do not want to discuss slavery and its effect on our societies. I know a lot of people who hate discussing African history whether here in the West or on the continent itself and those who really dislike any mention of affirmative action because it brings up the past too.

I have been told that the past has nothing to do with the present nor the future. Knowing ones history does noting for them. At the same time though it is told that if you don't know where you come from you wont know where you are going to.

Hmmmn.. I done wasting time :)

Do others know vexing quotes or idioms they just don't understand?

Comments

Jdid said…
knowing one's past is very important. whats that other quote, those who dont know their history are doomed to repeat it.

yep sometimes i think people dwell on the past a bit too much but knowing is important in all cases
7:44 AM
Abeni said…
Having an old soul is a saying i never really understood.
10:26 PM
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