--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: It does not follow because many books are…" description: "\"It does not follow because many books are written by persons born in America that there exists an American literature. Books which imitate or represent..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9fb/margaret-fuller-3268_america_it-does-not-follow-because-many-books-ar_395434.png" --- # It does not follow because many books are written by… ![“It does not follow because many books are written by persons born in America that there exists an American literature. Books which imitate or represent the thoughts and life of Europe do not constitute an American literature. Before such can exist, an original idea must animate this nation and…” quote by Margaret Fuller](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9fb/margaret-fuller-3268_america_it-does-not-follow-because-many-books-ar_395434.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9fb/margaret-fuller-3268_america_it-does-not-follow-because-many-books-ar_395434.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9fb/margaret-fuller-3268_america_it-does-not-follow-because-many-books-ar_395434.png) > “It does not follow because many books are written by persons born in America that there exists an American literature. Books which imitate or represent the thoughts and life of Europe do not constitute an American literature. Before such can exist, an original idea must animate this nation and fresh currents of life must call into life fresh thoughts along the shore.” [Margaret Fuller](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/margaret-fuller/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. American literature requires original ideas rooted in the nation's own experience, not merely imitation of European themes. **In simple terms:** American lit needs its own voice. Key Takeaway Cultivate unique cultural expression. Themes identity creativity nationalism Mood reflective critical Type analytical philosophical When to use this quote - education curricula - publishing - creative writing workshops Key Concepts cultural authenticity literary theory Questions to Reflect On - How can we nurture distinct national narratives? - What defines originality in literature? A Different Perspective Originality may be hard to define across diverse voices. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [America](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/america/) [American literature](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/american-literature/) [Book](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/book/) [Book reading](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/book-reading/) [Books](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/books/) [Europe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/europe/) [Ideas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ideas/) [Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life/) [Literature](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/literature/) [Original ideas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/original-ideas/) [Reading](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/reading/) ## Related quotes > [True literature can exist only where it is created, not by diligent and trustworthy functionaries, but by madmen, hermits, heretics, dreamers, rebels, and skeptics.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/yevgeny-zamyatin/true-literature-can-exist-only-where-it-is-created-not-by-diligent/) [Yevgeny Zamyatin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/yevgeny-zamyatin/) > [The superman exists and he's American.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alan-moore/the-superman-exists-and-he-s-american/) [Alan Moore](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alan-moore/) > [“Perhaps in the process of reconstructing its corporeal form, this new and wholly original entity achieved a complete mastery of all matter; able to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alan-moore/perhaps-in-the-process-of-reconstructing-its-corporeal-form-this-new/) [Alan Moore](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alan-moore/) > [No difference exists between American and European manners. A proletarian from Chicago can be just as Philistine as an English duke.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vladimir-nabokov/no-difference-exists-between-american-and-european-manners-a/) [Vladimir Nabokov](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vladimir-nabokov/) > [The idea that America exists in a culture of violence is bullshit. What America exists in is a culture of Kardashian.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-king/the-idea-that-america-exists-in-a-culture-of-violence-is-bullshit/) [Stephen King](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-king/) > [Most people have a sense that things have gone terribly wrong. It's not just some giveaways to the rich and the rigging of regulatory…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jim-hightower/most-people-have-a-sense-that-things-have-gone-terribly-wrong-it-s/) [Jim Hightower](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jim-hightower/) > [The innovators' spirit of America still exists. However, there is a narrative in America which goes like - you must go to MIT to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shiva-ayyadurai/the-innovators-spirit-of-america-still-exists-however-there-is-a/) [Shiva Ayyadurai](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shiva-ayyadurai/) > [If Asian America exists, it is because of systemic racism.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/karan-mahajan/if-asian-america-exists-it-is-because-of-systemic-racism/) [Karan Mahajan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/karan-mahajan/) > [Beauty is in the strangest places. A piece of garbage floating in the wind. And that beauty exists in America. It exists everywhere. You…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alan-ball/beauty-is-in-the-strangest-places-a-piece-of-garbage-floating-in-the/) [Alan Ball](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alan-ball/) > [“pluralism today—at least in America—exists without a dominant culture,”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/james-davison-hunter/pluralism-today-at-least-in-america-exists-without-a-dominant-culture/) [James Davison Hunter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/james-davison-hunter/) > [If you come up with the original idea on your laptop, anything else is an embellishment of that idea. It's nice to have the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hudson-mohawke/if-you-come-up-with-the-original-idea-on-your-laptop-anything-else-is/) Hudson Mohawke > [As for borrowing Mr. Whistler's ideas about art, the only thoroughly original ideas I have heard him express have had reference to his own…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oscar-wilde/as-for-borrowing-mr-whistler-s-ideas-about-art-the-only-thoroughly/) [Oscar Wilde](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oscar-wilde/) > [...I am exceedingly anxious that this Union, the Constitution, and the liberties of the people shall be perpetuated in accordance with the original idea…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/abraham-lincoln/i-am-exceedingly-anxious-that-this-union-the-constitution-and-the/) [Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abraham-lincoln/) > [I think there are a substantial number of scientists who have manipulated data so that they will have dollars rolling into their projects. And…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rick-perry/i-think-there-are-a-substantial-number-of-scientists-who-have/) [Rick Perry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rick-perry/) > [What's given, in fact, always depends on the person or thing it's given to. A minor incident in the street brings the cook to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/fernando-pessoa/what-s-given-in-fact-always-depends-on-the-person-or-thing-it-s-given/) [Fernando Pessoa](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/fernando-pessoa/) ## More by Margaret Fuller > [All great expression, which on a superficial survey seems so easy as well as so simple, furnishes after a while, to the faithful observer,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/margaret-fuller/all-great-expression-which-on-a-superficial-survey-seems-so-easy-as/) [Margaret Fuller](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/margaret-fuller/) > [Art can only be truly art by presenting an adequate outward symbol of some fact in the interior life.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/margaret-fuller/art-can-only-be-truly-art-by-presenting-an-adequate-outward-symbol-of/) [Margaret Fuller](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/margaret-fuller/) > [With the intellect I always have always shall overcome, but that is not the half of the work. The life, the life Oh my…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/margaret-fuller/with-the-intellect-i-always-have-always-shall-overcome-but-that-is/) [Margaret Fuller](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/margaret-fuller/) > [It is not because the touch of genius has roused genius to production, but because the admiration of genius has made talent ambitious, that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/margaret-fuller/it-is-not-because-the-touch-of-genius-has-roused-genius-to-production/) [Margaret Fuller](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/margaret-fuller/) > [Who can ever be alone for a moment in Italy? Every stone has a voice, every grain of dust seems instinct with spirit from…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/margaret-fuller/who-can-ever-be-alone-for-a-moment-in-italy-every-stone-has-a-voice/) [Margaret Fuller](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/margaret-fuller/) > [Beware of over-great pleasure in being popular or even beloved.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/margaret-fuller/beware-of-over-great-pleasure-in-being-popular-or-even-beloved/) [Margaret Fuller](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/margaret-fuller/) > [The highest ideal man can form of his own powers, is that which he is destined to attain. Whatever the soul knows how to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/margaret-fuller/the-highest-ideal-man-can-form-of-his-own-powers-is-that-which-he-is/) [Margaret Fuller](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/margaret-fuller/) > [Male and female represent the two sides of the great radical dualism. But in fact they are perpetually passing into one another. Fluid hardens…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/margaret-fuller/male-and-female-represent-the-two-sides-of-the-great-radical-dualism/) [Margaret Fuller](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/margaret-fuller/) > [Harmony exists no less in difference than in likeness, if only the same key-note govern both parts.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/margaret-fuller/harmony-exists-no-less-in-difference-than-in-likeness-if-only-the/) [Margaret Fuller](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/margaret-fuller/) > [Pain has no effect but to steal some of my time.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/margaret-fuller/pain-has-no-effect-but-to-steal-some-of-my-time/) [Margaret Fuller](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/margaret-fuller/) > [When the intellect and affections are in harmony; when intellectual consciousness is calm and deep; inspiration will not be confounded with fancy.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/margaret-fuller/when-the-intellect-and-affections-are-in-harmony-when-intellectual/) [Margaret Fuller](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/margaret-fuller/) > [I accept the universe!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/margaret-fuller/i-accept-the-universe/) [Margaret Fuller](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/margaret-fuller/) > [No temple can still the personal griefs and strifes in the breasts of its visitors.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/margaret-fuller/no-temple-can-still-the-personal-griefs-and-strifes-in-the-breasts-of/) [Margaret Fuller](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/margaret-fuller/) > [What I mean by the Muse is that unimpeded clearness of the intuitive powers, which a perfectly truthful adherence to every admonition of the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/margaret-fuller/what-i-mean-by-the-muse-is-that-unimpeded-clearness-of-the-intuitive/) [Margaret Fuller](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/margaret-fuller/) > [As to marriage, I think the intercourse of heart and mind may be fully enjoyed without entering into this partnership of daily life.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/margaret-fuller/as-to-marriage-i-think-the-intercourse-of-heart-and-mind-may-be-fully/) [Margaret Fuller](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/margaret-fuller/) [Explore all 135 Margaret Fuller quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/margaret-fuller/) ## More America quotes > [The costs of the Bush-Obama wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are now estimated to run as high as $4.4 trillion - a major victory…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/noam-chomsky/the-costs-of-the-bush-obama-wars-in-iraq-and-afghanistan-are-now/) [Noam Chomsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/noam-chomsky/) > [Young men, especially in America, write to me and ask me to recommend “a course of reading.” Distrust a course of reading! People who…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andrew-lang/young-men-especially-in-america-write-to-me-and-ask-me-to-recommend-a/) [Andrew Lang](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andrew-lang/) > [Well, The Day the Earth Caught Fire was a story... I don't if anybody knows what it is but it was about... in the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/val-guest/well-the-day-the-earth-caught-fire-was-a-story-i-don-t-if-anybody/) [Val Guest](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/val-guest/) > [So here's what I want you to know, and here's what I want all our men and women in uniform to know: Because of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/barack-obama/so-here-s-what-i-want-you-to-know-and-here-s-what-i-want-all-our-men/) [Barack Obama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/barack-obama/) > [Today, the world looks to America for leadership. And America looks to its Corps of Marines.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ronald-reagan/today-the-world-looks-to-america-for-leadership-and-america-looks-to/) [Ronald Reagan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ronald-reagan/) > [The image of blacks usually is one of people who are suffering from hunger, unemployment, and poverty. The idea of them as agents and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/grace-lee-boggs/the-image-of-blacks-usually-is-one-of-people-who-are-suffering-from/) [Grace Lee Boggs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/grace-lee-boggs/) > [ I'll smoke, I'll cough, I'll get the tumors, I'll die, deal? Thank you America. \[salutes\] ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bill-hicks/i-ll-smoke-i-ll-cough-i-ll-get-the-tumors-i-ll-die-deal-thank-you/) [Bill Hicks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bill-hicks/) > [America is a democracy and has no Hitler, but I am afraid for her future; there are hard times ahead for the American people,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/albert-einstein/america-is-a-democracy-and-has-no-hitler-but-i-am-afraid-for-her/) [Albert Einstein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/albert-einstein/) > [I'm gonna bring America together.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/donald-trump/i-m-gonna-bring-america-together/) [Donald Trump](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/donald-trump/) > [In the nineteenth century some parts of the world were unexplored, but there was almost no restriction on travel.:; Up to 1914 you did…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-orwell/in-the-nineteenth-century-some-parts-of-the-world-were-unexplored-but/) [George Orwell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-orwell/) > [We need a system that serves our needs, not the needs of others. Remember, under a Trump administration it's called America first. Remember that.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/donald-trump/we-need-a-system-that-serves-our-needs-not-the-needs-of-others/) [Donald Trump](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/donald-trump/) > [America, you're sending girls a mixed message. On one hand, you're saying to have positive body image and love who we are; on the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/adora-svitak/america-you-re-sending-girls-a-mixed-message-on-one-hand-you-re/) [Adora Svitak](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/adora-svitak/) > [You live overseas, you see these exotic places and you want to know about them. But, weirdly, it also made me homesick for all…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ken-jennings/you-live-overseas-you-see-these-exotic-places-and-you-want-to-know/) [Ken Jennings](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ken-jennings/) > [Freedom in every sense but primarily political sense, a rise in repression that stems from a repression of sexuality. 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