--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Athenaeum, or Jonathan Edwards at…" description: "\"“Athenaeum, or Jonathan Edwards at thirteen entering Yale College, and while yet of a tender age shining in the horizon of American literature; while t..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cb8/charles-stewart-given-136901_american-literature_athenaeum-or-jonathan-edwards-at-thirtee_2085539.jpg" --- # Athenaeum, or Jonathan Edwards at thirteen entering Yale… ![“Athenaeum, or Jonathan Edwards at thirteen entering Yale College, and while yet of a tender age shining in the horizon of American literature; while the same age finds H. W. Longfellow writing for the Portland Gazette. At fourteen John Quincy Adams was private secretary to Francis H. Dana…” quote by Charles Stewart Given](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cb8/charles-stewart-given-136901_american-literature_athenaeum-or-jonathan-edwards-at-thirtee_2085539.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cb8/charles-stewart-given-136901_american-literature_athenaeum-or-jonathan-edwards-at-thirtee_2085539.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cb8/charles-stewart-given-136901_american-literature_athenaeum-or-jonathan-edwards-at-thirtee_2085539.jpg) > ““Athenaeum, or Jonathan Edwards at thirteen entering Yale College, and while yet of a tender age shining in the horizon of American literature; while the same age finds H. W. Longfellow writing for the Portland Gazette. At fourteen John Quincy Adams was private secretary to Francis H. Dana, American Minister to Russia; at fifteen Benjamin Franklin was writing for the New England Courant, and at an early age became a noted journalist. Benjamin West at sixteen had painted "The Death of Socrates," at seventeen George Bancroft had won a degree in history, Washington Irving had gained”” Charles Stewart Given ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Highlights early prodigies in American literature and their remarkable achievements at young ages. **In simple terms:** Young writers achieved great feats early. Key Takeaway Recognize and nurture youthful talent. Themes American literature young prodigies historical figures Mood admiring reflective Type American literature:1 Benjamin franklin:1 Books:0 Death:0 Washington Irving:1 Jonathan Edwards:1 John Quincy Adams:1 Quincy Adams:1 John Quincy:0 Franklin Writing:1 Longfellow Writing:1 When to use this quote - education programs - literary mentorship - historical research - biographical writing Key Concepts Literary history early achievement cultural impact Questions to Reflect On - How can society better support young talent? - What pressures do prodigies face? A Different Perspective Early success does not guarantee lifelong impact. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [American literature](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/american-literature/) [Books](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/books/) [Death](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/death/) ## Related quotes > [The town of Braintree, MA was the birthplace of the 2nd and 6th Presidents, John Adams and his son John Quincy Adams. 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