Amount Quote by James Weldon Johnson
“A people may become great through many means, but there is only one measure by which its greatness is recognized and acknowledged. The final measure of the greatness of all peoples is the amount and standard of the literature and art they have produced… No people that has produced great literature and art has ever been looked upon by the world as distinctly inferior.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Negro in Art and Literature, 1919
Greatness of a people is judged by the quality and quantity of its cultural output.
In simple terms: Culture reflects a nation's greatness.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate literature and art.
Themes
culture
greatness
literature
art
national identity
Mood
reflective
inspirational
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- education policy
- national funding for the arts
- school curricula
- public libraries
Key Concepts
cultural capital
civilizational metrics
Questions to Reflect On
- How does your society value artistic work?
- What barriers limit creative expression?
A Different Perspective
Cultural output is influenced by economic and political power, not just talent.
![“A great show means we have to connect; we have to prove to [the audience] that we do something great or blow their socks off, but it has to be with them if it's going to be sustained for any length of time.” quote by Scott Avett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/fac/scott-avett-29364_audience_a-great-show-means-we-have-to-connect-we_1761152.jpg)
