To forget one’s ancestor’s is to be a brook without a source, a tree without root.

One generation plants the trees, and another gets the shade.

They brag most of their ancestors who are unworthy of them.

You’ve got to do your own growing, no matter how tall your grandfather was.

Beware of men who flourish with hereditary honors.

A man who prides himself on his ancestry is like the potato plant, the best part of which is underground.