There is a good saying to the effect that when a new book appears one should read an old one. As as author I would not recommend too strict an adherence to this saying.
Time and the Ocean and some guiding star and High Cabal have made us what we are.
If the present tries to sit in judgment of the past, it will lose the future.
Do what you like, but like what you do.
Nothing in life is so exhilarating as to be shot at without result.
If you want a good argument against democracy, spend five minutes with a voter.