Why is genealogy important?

In reading The Old Free State, by Landon Bell, I came across an introductory chapter to the lineages of important people in the history of Lunenburg, Virginia.  These important people include the names in our family tree, such as Allen and Neblett.  In this chapter, there was a discourse on genealogists - why do we care about the history of our family?  Is it a matter of pride or conceit?  I've often wondered how others view my interest in our family tree... these passages put it in perspective:

A quote from Daniel Webster:

There may be, and there often is, indeed, a regard for ancestry, which nourishes only a weak pride; as there is also a care for posterity, which only disguises an habitual avarice, or hides the workings of a low and groveling vanity. But there is also a moral and philosophical respect for our ancestors, which elevates the character and improves the heart. Next to the sense of religious duty and moral feeling, I hardly know what should bear with stronger obligation on a liberal and enlightened mind, than a consciousness of alliance with excellence which has departed; and a consciousness, too, that in its acts and conduct, and even in it sentiments, it may be actively operating on the happiness of those who come after it.

The author expounds, quoting Col. Thomas L. Crittendon:

If the traditions of the people of Virginia, and of Lunenburg, and their devotion to principles, and their respect for the best and governmental institutions, in their struggles for religious and political freedom and for liberty, be not worthy of veneration, then why should people strive to transmit blessings to posterity? And if those who in the past have struggled to assure a better condition of society are worthy to be honored for their efforts, their sacrifices and their accomplishments, what is more appropriate than to preserve their names and their lineages that their descendants to the remotest time may know the facts, and preserve them in grateful remembrance.

It is not only for the memories of those departed, mentioned herein, that the service of preserving their names from oblivion is performed. For them it is a service of affection and a veneration, but the service to their memories is insignificant compared to the benefits conferred upon future generations. "Since the world began, no people have ever reason to power or splendor who have not cherished and striven to perpetuate the memory of their great men...."

 I am amazed at our links to some of the famous people in our ancestry, but I am also invested in it for the stories.  We may not all be considered great men or women, but our stories certainly can be a source of enlightenment and entertainment.