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[STEMO]

cathedral burning down? I have no empathy with the french at all, but it's difficult to watch such an iconic structure being destroyed.

[dave the builder]

Hunch-back will be homeless 
they will try and blame the builder ,discarded roll up 

[Varche]

Didn't Windsor castle catch fire while it was being worked on too?

It wont be the builder to blame but Brexit or the pesky yellow jackets.

True tragedy. I have tried to see as many of these fine old  buildings made without modern machinery or computer. Notre Dame is/was up there with some of the best.

[Doctor Gollum]

Certainly a piece of history... Presumably they'll rebuild it in due course 

[Diamond Black Geezer]

I think even people without the remotest interest in 'old stuff' are still dumbfounded and saddened. As someone with a strong interest in historical buildings, heritage, and the like, I'm mortified.

That Hawker Hunter crash was the last time I felt like this.

[Sir Tigger KC]

It was a very sad sight to see that spire that had stood for over 800 years topple over. 

[Keith ABS]

 Awful lot of scaffolding around it.
Oh dear, we have found a major problem here.
a small fire that the insurance company can payout for should take care of it for you
Oh, that's got a little bit out of hand now hasn't it...…...

[biggriffin]

How comes when a historical building is renovation, they seem to catch fire.  Windsor castle, buck house, Ely cathedral, to name but a few.

[Sir Tigger KC]

How comes when a historical building is renovation, they seem to catch fire.  Windsor castle, buck house, Ely cathedral, to name but a few.

Someone having sneaky fag in a dusty attic somewhere? 

[Olympia5776]

How comes when a historical building is renovation, they seem to catch fire.  Windsor castle, buck house, Ely cathedral, to name but a few.

Add to that the Rennie Mcintosh designed Glasgow School of Art building that was severely fire damaged TWICE during renovations .....
I'm sad for the damage to Notre Dame but feel little for the outpouring from the French.
Macron will rebuild it and the populace will lick his ass .

[henryd]

It was a very sad sight to see that spire that had stood for over 800 years topple over. 

Apparently the spire was added circa 1850 ,still sad that its gone though

[Marks DTM Calib]

How comes when a historical building is renovation, they seem to catch fire.  Windsor castle, buck house, Ely cathedral, to name but a few.

Add to that the Rennie Mcintosh designed Glasgow School of Art building that was severely fire damaged TWICE during renovations .....
I'm sad for the damage to Notre Dame but feel little for the outpouring from the French.
Macron will rebuild it and the populace will lick his ass .

Any they want everyone else to pay for the costs.......

[Sir Tigger KC]

It was a very sad sight to see that spire that had stood for over 800 years topple over. 

Apparently the spire was added circa 1850 ,still sad that its gone though

They probably didn't have planning permission, so it had to come down and things got a little out of hand! 

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

Very sad.

The culprit is either Quasimodo or the ne'er do well who torched STMO's dirty derv.

[Doctor Gollum]

Say what you will about the French, but give them their dues. They're a fiercely proud nation, and justifiably so having produced much of cultural significance and influence through the ages. (We could learn a lot from them about pride in heritage )

I dare say there are those here born after before York Minster suffered that terrible fire. Since beautifully restored. 

It is a testament of spiritual resilience the we can be suffer such devastating events and recover from them. Notre Dame will stand proud amidst Paris, France and the World once more. Of that I am certain.

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

Say what you will about the French, but give them their dues. They're a fiercely proud nation, and justifiably so having produced much of cultural significance and influence through the ages. (We could learn a lot from them about pride in heritage )

I dare say there are those here born after before York Minster suffered that terrible fire. Since beautifully restored. 

It is a testament of spiritual resilience the we can be suffer such devastating events and recover from them. Notre Dame will stand proud amidst Paris, France and the World once more. Of that I am certain.

I doubt the big pylon shaped thingy would burn as well.....

[dave the builder]

How comes when a historical building is renovation, they seem to catch fire.  Windsor castle, buck house, Ely cathedral, to name but a few.

Someone having sneaky fag in a dusty attic somewhere? 

I knew I'd get the blame 

[Doctor Gollum]

That public smoking ban has a lot to answer for

[Jukeboxnut]

My wife is French and she is upset by the fire.  We have visited it several times over the years and it was a most impressive building, no doubt it will be restored in due course.

[Varche]

Amazing how millions ( billions?) have been pledged and yet the RC church is apparently awash with money. Meanwhile lots of French people live below the poverty line. Just saying. Not looking for an argument as it is the right thing to do to restore it.

[STEMO]

How comes when a historical building is renovation, they seem to catch fire.  Windsor castle, buck house, Ely cathedral, to name but a few.

Someone having sneaky fag in a dusty attic somewhere? 

I knew I'd get the blame 

Are you going to put an estimate in for the rebuild? It doesn't really matter what figure you put, perhaps €1000. Once you get going, you can ask for as much as you want, a bit like HS2 really. 

[dave the builder]

How comes when a historical building is renovation, they seem to catch fire.  Windsor castle, buck house, Ely cathedral, to name but a few.

Someone having sneaky fag in a dusty attic somewhere? 

I knew I'd get the blame 

Are you going to put an estimate in for the rebuild? It doesn't really matter what figure you put, perhaps €1000. Once you get going, you can ask for as much as you want, a bit like HS2 really. 

Na ,
it'd put too many miles on my Omega
plus, I need to stay away (in case i'm recognized) 

[STEMO]

Are places like this likely to be insured? If so, get ready for the Names at Lloyds of London to start squealing very loudly.

[STEMO]

How comes when a historical building is renovation, they seem to catch fire.  Windsor castle, buck house, Ely cathedral, to name but a few.

Someone having sneaky fag in a dusty attic somewhere? 

I knew I'd get the blame 

Are you going to put an estimate in for the rebuild? It doesn't really matter what figure you put, perhaps €1000. Once you get going, you can ask for as much as you want, a bit like HS2 really. 

Na ,
it'd put too many miles on my Omega
plus, I need to stay away (in case i'm recognized) 

Paddy and Mick put an estimate in for the Euro Tunnel. They said Paddy would start digging from England and Mick from France and they would meet in the middle. When asked what would happen if they missed each other, Paddy said "Well, you'll get two tunnels for the price of one".


I know, but the old ones are the best 

[Lizzie Zoom]

Amazing how millions ( billions?) have been pledged and yet the RC church is apparently awash with money. Meanwhile lots of French people live below the poverty line. Just saying. Not looking for an argument as it is the right thing to do to restore it.

Yes, that thought Varche has crossed my mind many times over the last few hours. But, this is a very significant historic monument that means a great deal to the French, their culture, and indeed a large proportion of Europe.  If, heaven forbid, Canterbury Cathedral was wrecked by fire the immediate reaction would be extreme distress, much sorry, then the cry "we must rebuild"!  This is what the French are suffering now.

Regardless of religious context, many, including I, recognise the historical worth of these buildings and their reflection of our great past that is so precious. The poor, I fear will always be with us as Jesus stated, and unless we are all prepared to give up our wealth, life goes on as before and what is precious to our Nations must be upheld, and in this case, rebuilt.

After saying all that, it is still in my mind that those "billions" of Euros could go a long way to relieve the suffering of many. Can we do both?

[STEMO]

Amazing how millions ( billions?) have been pledged and yet the RC church is apparently awash with money. Meanwhile lots of French people live below the poverty line. Just saying. Not looking for an argument as it is the right thing to do to restore it.

Yes, that thought Varche has crossed my mind many times over the last few hours. But, this is a very significant historic monument that means a great deal to the French, their culture, and indeed a large proportion of Europe.  If, heaven forbid, Canterbury Cathedral was wrecked by fire the immediate reaction would be extreme distress, much sorry, then the cry "we must rebuild"!  This is what the French are suffering now.

Regardless of religious context, many, including I, recognise the historical worth of these buildings and their reflection of our great past that is so precious. The poor, I fear will always be with us as Jesus stated, and unless we are all prepared to give up our wealth, life goes on as before and what is precious to our Nations must be upheld, and in this case, rebuilt.

After saying all that, it is still in my mind that those "billions" of Euros could go a long way to relieve the suffering of many. Can we do both?

Nah...they're just old....and irrelevant.

[Lizzie Zoom]

Amazing how millions ( billions?) have been pledged and yet the RC church is apparently awash with money. Meanwhile lots of French people live below the poverty line. Just saying. Not looking for an argument as it is the right thing to do to restore it.

Yes, that thought Varche has crossed my mind many times over the last few hours. But, this is a very significant historic monument that means a great deal to the French, their culture, and indeed a large proportion of Europe.  If, heaven forbid, Canterbury Cathedral was wrecked by fire the immediate reaction would be extreme distress, much sorry, then the cry "we must rebuild"!  This is what the French are suffering now.

Regardless of religious context, many, including I, recognise the historical worth of these buildings and their reflection of our great past that is so precious. The poor, I fear will always be with us as Jesus stated, and unless we are all prepared to give up our wealth, life goes on as before and what is precious to our Nations must be upheld, and in this case, rebuilt.

After saying all that, it is still in my mind that those "billions" of Euros could go a long way to relieve the suffering of many. Can we do both?

Nah...they're just old....and irrelevant.

Very good!

The thing with these buildings they usually last longer than the rest of us

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

Amazing how millions ( billions?) have been pledged and yet the RC church is apparently awash with money. Meanwhile lots of French people live below the poverty line. Just saying. Not looking for an argument as it is the right thing to do to restore it.

Yes, that thought Varche has crossed my mind many times over the last few hours. But, this is a very significant historic monument that means a great deal to the French, their culture, and indeed a large proportion of Europe.  If, heaven forbid, Canterbury Cathedral was wrecked by fire the immediate reaction would be extreme distress, much sorry, then the cry "we must rebuild"!  This is what the French are suffering now.

Regardless of religious context, many, including I, recognise the historical worth of these buildings and their reflection of our great past that is so precious. The poor, I fear will always be with us as Jesus stated, and unless we are all prepared to give up our wealth, life goes on as before and what is precious to our Nations must be upheld, and in this case, rebuilt.

After saying all that, it is still in my mind that those "billions" of Euros could go a long way to relieve the suffering of many. Can we do both?

Nah...they're just old....and irrelevant.

In the great scheme of things we are all pretty irrelevant.

When we die the world will carry on exactly as before and 99.9999999999% of the people on this planet really won't care.

When you drop off the perch wife and whippet will be upset but within half an hour or so they will have moved on.

[STEMO]

The whole human race is due for extinction. If we don't nuke each other, or kill the planet we live on, the we will become a race of coffee coloured, sexless hybrids........and I wouldn't fancy shagging breeding with one of them.

[Nick W]

Certainly a piece of history... Presumably they'll rebuild it in due course

Rebuild it again. Notre Dame is very like Windsor castle; it was heavily tarted up in the 19th century to make it conform better to how the people of the time thought it should look. There was a lot of that going on, if you look at the exterior of Rochester Cathedral you can see where the Victorians rebuilt the roof considerably lower and installed a steeple that it hadn't had previously. They did some pretty shoddy work on the end wall too, although the repairs have been put off for some time, they're likely to cost over £250k

[Sir Tigger KC]

Certainly a piece of history... Presumably they'll rebuild it in due course

Rebuild it again. Notre Dame is very like Windsor castle; it was heavily tarted up in the 19th century to make it conform better to how the people of the time thought it should look. There was a lot of that going on, if you look at the exterior of Rochester Cathedral you can see where the Victorians rebuilt the roof considerably lower and installed a steeple that it hadn't had previously. They did some pretty shoddy work on the end wall too, although the repairs have been put off for some time, they're likely to cost over £250k

The tower of our local church which dates from Norman times is pebble dashed!   

I don't know when that was done, 1920's/30's?     But presumably before English Heritage was born.   

[Lizzie Zoom]

I have been listening to those who seem to know these things and they have stated the roof of this Cathedral was very dense, hence the rapid and intense fire that consumed it. They state that the roof consisted of timber from between 1,000 and 1,300 trees.

If they rebuild to the original design, which surely they must, they it will take a very long time indeed to scource the suitable timber, cut and shape it to the exact sizes needed. Of course the whole Cathedral took 200 years to build, but with modern equipment and building techniques it should take not quite as long

[BazaJT]

Yes Lizzie we have modern equipment and modern building techniques,unfortunately we also have modern workers so you can bet your bottom dollar that it'll go overtime and over budget.

[Sir Tigger KC]

I have been listening to those who seem to know these things and they have stated the roof of this Cathedral was very dense, hence the rapid and intense fire that consumed it. They state that the roof consisted of timber from between 1,000 and 1,300 trees.

If they rebuild to the original design, which surely they must, they it will take a very long time indeed to source the suitable timber, cut and shape it to the exact sizes needed. Of course the whole Cathedral took 200 years to build, but with modern equipment and building techniques it should take not quite as long

Presumably oak as well?   

I don't want to see 1000-1300 mature oak trees that are busy sucking up CO2 chopped down to recreate an old church.    So I propose that they use modern materials instead.  How about recycled plastic? 

I'm sure God would approve! 

[Kevin Wood]

I have been listening to those who seem to know these things and they have stated the roof of this Cathedral was very dense, hence the rapid and intense fire that consumed it. They state that the roof consisted of timber from between 1,000 and 1,300 trees.

If they rebuild to the original design, which surely they must, they it will take a very long time indeed to source the suitable timber, cut and shape it to the exact sizes needed. Of course the whole Cathedral took 200 years to build, but with modern equipment and building techniques it should take not quite as long

Presumably oak as well?   

I don't want to see 1000-1300 mature oak trees that are busy sucking up CO2 chopped down to recreate an old church.    So I propose that they use modern materials instead.  How about recycled plastic? 

I'm sure God would approve! 

How cool would a carbon fibre Cathedral be?

[dave the builder]

MDF, chipboard and shed felt quote submitted
the quote for epdm and sterling board with c24 timber was too high for the poor church 
 
knock it down and build an omega production line
we can smuggle them past brexit borders 
 

[BazaJT]

So the place catches fire,the fire fighters battle for hours risking their lives to save it and then a mass of people turn up and light candles all around the place

[dave the builder]

"God" obviously decided it was an old building and wanted something newer
OR
nearer the truth.....
"God" wanted rid of his sitting tenant  Quasimodo,who was on a cheap rent deal and demanding the leaky roof be repaired,new kitchen and bathroom ,boiler etc

"God" has property all over the world
poor Quasi (who is disabled and on benefits) probably hasn't got 2 pennies sticks to rub together ,anymore 

[Varche]

MDF, chipboard and shed felt quote submitted
the quote for epdm and sterling board with c24 timber was too high for the poor church 
 
knock it down and build an omega production line
we can smuggle them past brexit borders 

Dave, live with the times! It will be done with a 3D printer. Obviously not in one go, that is why Macron says it will take only five years.

[Kevin Wood]

MDF, chipboard and shed felt quote submitted
the quote for epdm and sterling board with c24 timber was too high for the poor church 
 
knock it down and build an omega production line
we can smuggle them past brexit borders 

Dave, live with the times! It will be done with a 3D printer. Obviously not in one go, that is why Macron says it will take only five years.

Yep, 4.7 years is building the 3D printer though.
Oh, and then printing bits to upgrade the printer. They'll get round to the Cathedral one day.

[Sir Tigger KC]

I have been listening to those who seem to know these things and they have stated the roof of this Cathedral was very dense, hence the rapid and intense fire that consumed it. They state that the roof consisted of timber from between 1,000 and 1,300 trees.

If they rebuild to the original design, which surely they must, they it will take a very long time indeed to source the suitable timber, cut and shape it to the exact sizes needed. Of course the whole Cathedral took 200 years to build, but with modern equipment and building techniques it should take not quite as long

Presumably oak as well?   

I don't want to see 1000-1300 mature oak trees that are busy sucking up CO2 chopped down to recreate an old church.    So I propose that they use modern materials instead.  How about recycled plastic? 

I'm sure God would approve! 

How cool would a carbon fibre Cathedral be?

Very cool! 

If they rebuild the roof with lightweight modern materials, they'll be able to get rid of all those flying buttress's that clutter up the outside.  That would really tidy the place up! 

[Lizzie Zoom]

I have been listening to those who seem to know these things and they have stated the roof of this Cathedral was very dense, hence the rapid and intense fire that consumed it. They state that the roof consisted of timber from between 1,000 and 1,300 trees.

If they rebuild to the original design, which surely they must, they it will take a very long time indeed to source the suitable timber, cut and shape it to the exact sizes needed. Of course the whole Cathedral took 200 years to build, but with modern equipment and building techniques it should take not quite as long

Presumably oak as well?   

I don't want to see 1000-1300 mature oak trees that are busy sucking up CO2 chopped down to recreate an old church.    So I propose that they use modern materials instead.  How about recycled plastic? 

I'm sure God would approve! 

Probably so Sir Tigger.

Remember, the famous 100 gun HMS Victory of Trafalgar fame took 6,000 mature oak and elm trees to build.  So 1,000-1,300 is not so many!

[Lizzie Zoom]

Yes Lizzie we have modern equipment and modern building techniques,unfortunately we also have modern workers so you can bet your bottom dollar that it'll go overtime and over budget.

Guaranteed Baza!

[Lizzie Zoom]

So the place catches fire,the fire fighters battle for hours risking their lives to save it and then a mass of people turn up and light candles all around the place

Yes, but do not forget in 1666 London the people did it the other way round.  They set light to their houses and then set light to St. Pauls!! They had lights galour

(Only joking of course, and with Notre Dame no particular race of people are being blamed for the fire, unlike what happened in dear London town!!)

[Lizzie Zoom]

So the place catches fire,the fire fighters battle for hours risking their lives to save it and then a mass of people turn up and light candles all around the place

[Marks DTM Calib]

I have been listening to those who seem to know these things and they have stated the roof of this Cathedral was very dense, hence the rapid and intense fire that consumed it. They state that the roof consisted of timber from between 1,000 and 1,300 trees.

If they rebuild to the original design, which surely they must, they it will take a very long time indeed to source the suitable timber, cut and shape it to the exact sizes needed. Of course the whole Cathedral took 200 years to build, but with modern equipment and building techniques it should take not quite as long

Presumably oak as well?   

I don't want to see 1000-1300 mature oak trees that are busy sucking up CO2 chopped down to recreate an old church.    So I propose that they use modern materials instead.  How about recycled plastic? 

I'm sure God would approve! 

How cool would a carbon fibre Cathedral be?

Very cool! 

If they rebuild the roof with lightweight modern materials, they'll be able to get rid of all those flying buttress's that clutter up the outside.  That would really tidy the place up! 

France are big farmers of Oak trees, it may mean that Oak Furniture Land go broke due to lack of supply but hey, every cloud

[Doctor Gollum]

I have been listening to those who seem to know these things and they have stated the roof of this Cathedral was very dense, hence the rapid and intense fire that consumed it. They state that the roof consisted of timber from between 1,000 and 1,300 trees.

If they rebuild to the original design, which surely they must, they it will take a very long time indeed to source the suitable timber, cut and shape it to the exact sizes needed. Of course the whole Cathedral took 200 years to build, but with modern equipment and building techniques it should take not quite as long

Presumably oak as well?   

I don't want to see 1000-1300 mature oak trees that are busy sucking up CO2 chopped down to recreate an old church.    So I propose that they use modern materials instead.  How about recycled plastic? 

I'm sure God would approve! 

Probably so Sir Tigger.

Remember, the famous 100 gun HMS Victory of Trafalgar fame took 6,000 mature oak and elm trees to build.  So 1,000-1,300 is not so many!

And being old and irrelevant, perhaps we should donate it to the cause

[Lizzie Zoom]

I have been listening to those who seem to know these things and they have stated the roof of this Cathedral was very dense, hence the rapid and intense fire that consumed it. They state that the roof consisted of timber from between 1,000 and 1,300 trees.

If they rebuild to the original design, which surely they must, they it will take a very long time indeed to source the suitable timber, cut and shape it to the exact sizes needed. Of course the whole Cathedral took 200 years to build, but with modern equipment and building techniques it should take not quite as long

Presumably oak as well?   

I don't want to see 1000-1300 mature oak trees that are busy sucking up CO2 chopped down to recreate an old church.    So I propose that they use modern materials instead.  How about recycled plastic? 

I'm sure God would approve! 

Probably so Sir Tigger.

Remember, the famous 100 gun HMS Victory of Trafalgar fame took 6,000 mature oak and elm trees to build.  So 1,000-1,300 is not so many!

And being old and irrelevant, perhaps we should donate it to the cause

But that is the thing, the great Cathedral and to a lesser extent, HMS Victory, are NOT irrelevant but mean a great deal, culturally at least, to millions of people.

They will 'live' long after we have gone and are forgotten.

[Doctor Gollum]

Your words, not mine. Make your mind up

[Lizzie Zoom]

Your words, not mine. Make your mind up

So you have not yet worked out that we as organic, living, breathing humans usually become irrelevant after our deaths, but cultural symbols, like Cathedrals, famous historic warships, and monuments, along with all their physical like, can remain very relevant long into the future

[Migv6 le Frog Fan]

We all - to a greater or lesser extent - make a difference of some sort by living our lives, which carries on - to a greater or lesser extent - after we are gone.
So, no we are never irrelevant. Inevitably some people are more relevant than others, but we are all relevant nonetheless.
The older we become, the more relevant we are due to life experience, but younger people often don't realise this and ignore older people.
That is their problem (or a problem of modern western culture) but doesn't mean older people are irrelevant.

[STEMO]

We all - to a greater or lesser extent - make a difference of some sort by living our lives, which carries on - to a greater or lesser extent - after we are gone.
So, no we are never irrelevant. Inevitably some people are more relevant than others, but we are all relevant nonetheless.
The older we become, the more relevant we are due to life experience, but younger people often don't realise this and ignore older people.
That is their problem (or a problem of modern western culture) but doesn't mean older people are irrelevant.

There are some older people that are definitely best ignored, Albs. 

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

We all - to a greater or lesser extent - make a difference of some sort by living our lives, which carries on - to a greater or lesser extent - after we are gone.
So, no we are never irrelevant. Inevitably some people are more relevant than others, but we are all relevant nonetheless.
The older we become, the more relevant we are due to life experience, but younger people often don't realise this and ignore older people.
That is their problem (or a problem of modern western culture) but doesn't mean older people are irrelevant.

Well......the 'relevant' old  women on the checkout at the supermarket should all be sacked because of how slow and easily confused they are.......

Give me a young blonde with big tits anyday.

[STEMO]

We all - to a greater or lesser extent - make a difference of some sort by living our lives, which carries on - to a greater or lesser extent - after we are gone.
So, no we are never irrelevant. Inevitably some people are more relevant than others, but we are all relevant nonetheless.
The older we become, the more relevant we are due to life experience, but younger people often don't realise this and ignore older people.
That is their problem (or a problem of modern western culture) but doesn't mean older people are irrelevant.

Well......the 'relevant' old  women on the checkout at the supermarket should all be sacked because of how slow and easily confused they are.......

Give me a young blonde with big tits anyday.

That's the ticket, Opti, you can't beat a simplistic outlook. Fook climate change and the like, gimme a whopping pair of wazoomas and I'm happy. You will live long. 

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

We all - to a greater or lesser extent - make a difference of some sort by living our lives, which carries on - to a greater or lesser extent - after we are gone.
So, no we are never irrelevant. Inevitably some people are more relevant than others, but we are all relevant nonetheless.
The older we become, the more relevant we are due to life experience, but younger people often don't realise this and ignore older people.
That is their problem (or a problem of modern western culture) but doesn't mean older people are irrelevant.

Well......the 'relevant' old  women on the checkout at the supermarket should all be sacked because of how slow and easily confused they are.......

Give me a young blonde with big tits anyday.

That's the ticket, Opti, you can't beat a simplistic outlook. Fook climate change and the like, gimme a whopping pair of wazoomas and I'm happy. You will live long. 

A nice smile from a pretty girl is enough to make my day.

A grimace from a toothless old crone telling me ' her feet are playing up again ' just doesn't have the same placebo effect.

[Lizzie Zoom]

We all - to a greater or lesser extent - make a difference of some sort by living our lives, which carries on - to a greater or lesser extent - after we are gone.
So, no we are never irrelevant. Inevitably some people are more relevant than others, but we are all relevant nonetheless.
The older we become, the more relevant we are due to life experience, but younger people often don't realise this and ignore older people.
That is their problem (or a problem of modern western culture) but doesn't mean older people are irrelevant.

Yes, indeed our actual lives do have a significant effect.

But, do you know what your great, great, great, great Grandfather did, what his name was, and what he did?  Unless you have an ancestor like Winston Churchill, Nelson, Sir David Lloyd George, are mentioned in historical documents, etc, etc, or have paid money to carryout research, like the vast majority of people you do not know.  So in modern life, today, as you live, how relevant are those relatives to you?

That is what I meant.  Is that not true?  It is sad, but a fact, the world and life moves on regardless

[STEMO]

The saddest fact is that there are those who refuse to accept death as a finality. They cling on to some strange notion of an afterlife. Poor, deluded fools.

[Migv6 le Frog Fan]

We all - to a greater or lesser extent - make a difference of some sort by living our lives, which carries on - to a greater or lesser extent - after we are gone.
So, no we are never irrelevant. Inevitably some people are more relevant than others, but we are all relevant nonetheless.
The older we become, the more relevant we are due to life experience, but younger people often don't realise this and ignore older people.
That is their problem (or a problem of modern western culture) but doesn't mean older people are irrelevant.

Yes, indeed our actual lives do have a significant effect.

But, do you know what your great, great, great, great Grandfather did, what his name was, and what he did?  Unless you have an ancestor like Winston Churchill, Nelson, Sir David Lloyd George, are mentioned in historical documents, etc, etc, or have paid money to carryout research, like the vast majority of people you do not know.  So in modern life, today, as you live, how relevant are those relatives to you?

That is what I meant.  Is that not true?  It is sad, but a fact, the world and life moves on regardless

According to my Dad, an ancestor of his was the Lord Chief Justice who ordered Charles 1st to be beheaded. Im not sure how true that is though. 
I do know quite a bit about my ancestral line, due to the fact that swmbo insists on researching it.
However, my point is that each human being is as relevant as every other one, and those who think otherwise are the problem. We all make a difference. The world would be a slightly different place if you or I hadn't been born.
Altogether now "You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars....." 

[Lizzie Zoom]

We all - to a greater or lesser extent - make a difference of some sort by living our lives, which carries on - to a greater or lesser extent - after we are gone.
So, no we are never irrelevant. Inevitably some people are more relevant than others, but we are all relevant nonetheless.
The older we become, the more relevant we are due to life experience, but younger people often don't realise this and ignore older people.
That is their problem (or a problem of modern western culture) but doesn't mean older people are irrelevant.

Yes, indeed our actual lives do have a significant effect.

But, do you know what your great, great, great, great Grandfather did, what his name was, and what he did?  Unless you have an ancestor like Winston Churchill, Nelson, Sir David Lloyd George, are mentioned in historical documents, etc, etc, or have paid money to carryout research, like the vast majority of people you do not know.  So in modern life, today, as you live, how relevant are those relatives to you?

That is what I meant.  Is that not true?  It is sad, but a fact, the world and life moves on regardless

According to my Dad, an ancestor of his was the Lord Chief Justice who ordered Charles 1st to be beheaded. Im not sure how true that is though. 
I do know quite a bit about my ancestral line, due to the fact that swmbo insists on researching it.
However, my point is that each human being is as relevant as every other one, and those who think otherwise are the problem. We all make a difference. The world would be a slightly different place if you or I hadn't been born.
Altogether now "You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars....." 

As I said, you ARE absolutely right, and the fact your wife is doing research into the ancestral line is great.  I have researched so far back but not as far as I should. My Great Uncle Frank was killed at Ypres in 1917, and his eldest sister, my lovely Great Aunt Kitty, certainly was badly affected personally by that loss.  My father lost his father, my grandfather in 1940 to a German bomb, and yes he was very relevant in my father's life and badly affected his personality.  But to my children, and my grandchildren those lives just do not feature no matter how I, and my historian youngest brother, try to remind them of family history.  To them my Great Uncle and my Grandfather are just a footnotes, being 'just' two of the millions killed due to war; just cannon fodder, with ALL that served in those wars, collectively, relevant as a memorial and argument against conflict.  But as individuals they are slipping back into the mists of time, which I certainly feel very sad about.