"To be as good as our fathers we must be better, imitation is not discipleship"

Wendell Phillips, a renowned abolitionist and supporter for social reform in the 19th century, offers a compelling viewpoint on development and tradition with his quote, "To be as excellent as our dads we need to be better, imitation is not discipleship." This phrase invites reflection on the nature of individual development, social development, and the method we honor those who came before us.

The opening section, "To be as excellent as our dads we need to be better," recommends that keeping the status quo is not sufficient if we want to really honor the legacy of previous generations. Phillips indicates that real respect and recommendation of our predecessors' accomplishments involve exceeding them, or a minimum of making every effort to do so. This viewpoint is a call to action, advising people and neighborhoods to constantly seek enhancement and innovation, instead of complacently resting on the accomplishments of those who came before.

Relocating to the latter part of the quote, "replica is not discipleship," Phillips cautions versus the simple replication of past actions or beliefs. Imitation, in this context, is portrayed as a shallow kind of respect or learning. It suggests an absence of crucial engagement with underlying concepts and values. Discipleship, on the other hand, recommends a much deeper, more significant engagement-- a process of learning, questioning, and adapting. True discipleship needs an understanding of the core principles that drove previous actions and then applying those principles artistically to new obstacles.

Thus, Phillips stresses the importance of vibrant development over fixed conservation. By encouraging us to reinterpret and build upon the structures laid by our forefathers, he champs a tradition that is alive and evolving, instead of fossilized in imitation. This approach resonates broadly, advocating for progress fueled by thoughtful development and a commitment to going beyond historic limitations, eventually sculpting a future that honors the past by striving to improve upon it.