Just as it is true that a stream cannot rise above its source, so it is true that a national literature cannot rise above the moral level of the social conditions of the people from whom it derives its inspiration.

Summary

This quote suggests that the quality and moral depth of a nation's literature are inherently linked to the social conditions and values of its people. Similar to how a stream cannot flow higher than its original source, a national literature cannot exceed the moral level of the society that influences and inspires it. It implies that the societal values and attitudes shape the themes, messages, and overall essence of a country's literary works. The quote emphasizes the important connection between literature and the prevailing social environment, implying that social progress and cultural refinement must be at the forefront to elevate a nation's literature.

Topics