The decline in literature indicates a decline in the nation. The two keep pace in their downward tendency.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- A nation's literary health reflects its overall condition; both tend to decline together.
- In plain terms
- When literature falls, the country falls too.
- What can you take from it?
- Support the arts to sustain a healthy society.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How does culture influence societal progress?
- Can a strong literary tradition offset other declines?
Another view
Other factors also affect a nation's fortunes.
More from Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
The intelligent man finds almost everything ridiculous, the sensible man hardly anything.
Permalink to quote #137 The man is born with a talent which he has meant to use finds his greatest happiness in using it.
Permalink to quote #139 The first and last thing required of genius is the love of truth.
Permalink to quote #136
Related quotes
The writer is the engineer of the human soul.
Joseph StalinJoseph Stalin quote #11 Literary men are...a perpetual priesthood.
Thomas CarlyleThomas Carlyle quote #17 The notion of the free play of the mind upon all subjects being a pleasure in itself, being an object of desire, being an essential provider of elements withou…
Matthew ArnoldMatthew Arnold quote #80