So Much Depends Upon a Red Wheel Barrow

Since time immemorial people have used such opaque statements as "since time immemorial." I came across this platitudinal phrase in Victor Hugo's Les Miserables. It is synonymous with a more contemporary saying, "Since the beginning of time." Oft times these constitute the incipient words of otherwise intelligent scholarly papers. This is an expression that, taken literally, is somewhat fatuitous, as it is audacious to make a claim that a) we know when time (if it has a beginning) began, and b) that we are such an expert on the given topic to posit in such an absolute and all encompassing manner. For example, "Since time immemorial humans have contemplated how to maximize efficacy of various modes of travel." Such a statement is usually devoid of qualifying research and actual knowledge. Rarely, I think, does the author actually want to communicate the literal sentiment of the phrase. Sometimes, we just don't intend the literal interpretation, and use it because it is hackneyed and thus a part of our working vocabulary, accessible, and easier to use than just stating a fact. There are many other sayings and phrases endemic to various religions, schools of thought, cultures, time periods, etc.