Quote by William Blake
Poetry fettered, fetters the human race. Nations are destroyed or flourish in proportion as their poetry, painting, and music are destroyed or flourish.
Summary
This quote suggests that the state of a nation is closely linked to the state of its artistic endeavors, particularly poetry, painting, and music. If these artistic forms are restricted or suppressed, the individuals and the nation as a whole are hindered or "fettered." Conversely, when poetry, painting, and music are allowed to flourish, nations thrive. This implies that art plays a crucial role in the cultural, emotional, and intellectual development of a society, and that its suppression can have detrimental effects on the overall well-being and progress of a nation.