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We use to say that diplomacy was invented when our ancestors decided that it was more interesting to hear the messenger than to eat the messenger. Time runs faster and faster in the new century. That does not mean we must rush ahead without thinking. Our past is shaping our future, if we accept it or not; let’s try and make the best use of it.

— Emil Constantinescu

What It Means

This is a placeholder explanation generated by the low-overhead model. It interprets "We use to say that diplomacy was invented when our ancestors decided that it was more interesting to hear the messenger than to eat the messenger. Time runs faster and faster in the new century. That does not mean we must rush ahead without thinking. Our past is shaping our future, if we accept it or not; let’s try and make the best use of it." in the context of ""The Future of EU Foreign Policy" (4 January 2011)" to mean that wisdom is timeless.

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Source: Wikiquote: "Emil Constantinescu" (Quotes) The 'What it means' explanation text was generated by Google Gemini Flash (accessed January 19, 2026). https://gemini.google.com/app
Emil Constantinescu

About Emil Constantinescu

Emil Constantinescu (born 19 November 1939) is a Romanian professor and politician, who served as the President of Romania, from 1996 to 2000.