What is the meaning of the epigraph from Charles Dickens “DAVID COPPERFIELD THAT BEGINS THE NOVEL: IT’S IN VAIN to recall the past, unless it works some influence upon the present

This quote is from Betsey Trotwood who is talking to David Copperfield about the past. David Copperfield has met up with his great-aunt, Betsey Trotwood (referred to as ‘Miss Betsey’), at a London inn. Miss Betsey is accompanied by her servant, Janet. They dine together to talk about David’s future. There is no use in obsessing about the past unless you are going to let it affect your future in a positive way. Sounds like good advice!