"Life has obliged him to remember so much useful knowledge that he has lost not only his history, but his whole original cargo of useless knowledge; history, languages, literatures, the higher mathematics, or what you will - are all gone"

In this quote, Albert J. Nock is making a poignant observation about the human condition, especially the way modern-day life requires a focus on useful, practical knowledge at the cost of what may be thought about more enhancing or intellectually fulfilling pursuits. The phrase "Life has actually obliged him to remember a lot beneficial knowledge" suggests that the pressures of day-to-day presence, perhaps due to career responsibilities or social expectations, force people to prioritize knowledge that is instantly relevant or beneficial to their economic survival and performance in the modern-day world. This could consist of technical abilities, employment training, and other kinds of practical understanding that are needed to navigate and be successful in contemporary life.

The idea that this focus leads to a loss--"he has lost not just his history, but his whole initial cargo of worthless understanding"-- hints at a sense of nostalgia or grieving for the intellectual and cultural pursuits that are frequently deemed less practical. These pursuits, which Nock classifies under "ineffective understanding", include history, languages, literatures, and greater mathematics-- fields generally connected with a classical education and the growing of a well-rounded, reflective person. The term "worthless" is likely utilized ironically, as these subjects enrich the human experience by fostering vital thinking, imagination, and a much deeper understanding of the world and mankind's location within it.

Nock's lament is that in losing touch with this "original freight", individuals might also lose a connection to their individual and cultural history, which is necessary for forming a meaningful and enriched sense of self. This quote, therefore, reviews the modern educational and societal focus on specialization and occupational preparation at the expense of broader intellectual expedition. It serves as a suggestion of the value of so-called "ineffective" understanding in cultivating not simply a competent worker, but a thoughtful, notified, and culturally aware human being.