“Antiquity is full of the praises of another antiquity still more remote” is a statement that reflects the human tendency to romanticize and glorify the past, especially the distant past. It suggests that people often look back at previous eras with a sense of nostalgia and reverence, even though they may not have lived during those times themselves. This is often because the further away something is in time, the more mythical and legendary it becomes, and the easier it is to ignore its flaws and shortcomings.

This quote can be applied in various contemporary contexts. For instance, in a cultural or societal context, it can be seen in the way people often idealize past eras. They may believe that society was better, more moral, or more stable in the past. This can be seen in popular phrases like “the good old days.” However, this often overlooks the many challenges and problems that were present during those times.

In a personal development context, this quote might be a reminder not to idealize the past at the expense of the present. It’s easy to look back on past versions of ourselves or past stages of our lives with a sense of nostalgia, ignoring the struggles and difficulties we faced. This can prevent us from fully appreciating and engaging with our current circumstances. Instead, we should strive to learn from the past, but not let it distract us from the potential and opportunities available in the present.

Moreover, it could also be interpreted as a call to value our present moments and achievements. Often, we tend to undervalue our current state, achievements, or era, only to look back at it with praise and nostalgia years later. Recognizing the worth of our present can lead to a more fulfilling life, where we appreciate what we have while we have it.