Everyone has something ancestral, even if it is nothing more than a disease

Everyone has something ancestral, even if it is nothing more than a disease

E.W. Howe, a prominent American author and editor in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, once said, “Everyone has something ancestral, even if it is nothing more than a disease.” This statement speaks to the idea that our ancestry, whether we are aware of it or not, plays a significant role in shaping who we are as individuals.

In the case of E.W. Howe himself, his own ancestral background likely influenced his writing and editorial work. Born in Ohio in 1853, Howe came from a family with a long history of involvement in the newspaper industry. His father was a newspaper publisher, and Howe himself began his career as a printer before eventually becoming a successful author and editor. It is clear that Howe’s familial ties to the world of journalism had a profound impact on his own career path and the subjects he chose to write about.

But ancestry is not just about the professions or interests passed down through generations. It can also manifest in more subtle ways, such as through inherited traits or predispositions. Howe’s statement about ancestral connections to disease is particularly poignant in this regard. Many of us carry genetic markers for certain illnesses or conditions that have been passed down through our family lines. These inherited diseases can have a profound impact on our health and well-being, shaping our experiences and influencing the choices we make in life.