Cascade X
The Cascade of Generations
We are all borrowing. Everything we know was handed to us, and everything we know will be handed on.
On Tradition
“A transmitter and not a maker, believing in and loving the ancients.” Confucius, c. 500 BC
On Memory
“Take heed to thyself, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons.” Book of Deuteronomy, c. 600 BC
On Story
“And it shall come to pass, when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this service?” Book of Exodus, c. 600 BC
On Teaching the Young
“My son, gather instruction from thy youth up: so shalt thou find wisdom till thine old age.” Ben Sira, c. 180 BC
On Those Who Came Before
“All these were honoured in their generations, and were the glory of their times.” Ben Sira, c. 180 BC
On Changing Customs
“If one should bid all people select the best customs in the world, each race, after examining them all, would select those of its own.” Herodotus, c. 430 BC
On What the Young Teach the Old
“I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom. But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.” Book of Job, c. 500 BC
On What We Owe Each Other
“Honi asked the man planting a carob tree how long until it bore fruit. Seventy years, he said. Just as my ancestors planted for me, I plant for my children.” Babylonian Talmud, c. 500 AD