10.5.2026 – we look on past with

we look on past with
condescension, what if we
are a after-glow

The complete quote is, “We look on past ages with condescension, as a mere preparation for us… but what if we are a mere after-glow of them?”

It appears in The Siege of Krishnapur by J. G. Farrell in his empire triology as the characters in the Novel begin to wonder if the past is leading to a higher and higher calling in the Victorian era … or are they and the end of something.

Tony Soprano in the TV show, The Soprano’s famously said, “It’s good to be in something from the ground floor. I came too late for that and I know. But lately, I’m getting the feeling that I came in at the end. The best is over.”

I read the papers.

I watch the news.

I listen to the commentators.

Thinking about the United States of America.

Lately, I’m getting the feeling that I came in at the end.

The best is over.

We are a mere after-glow of our past ages.

I would be happy to listen to argument against such feelings.