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 its shores.

More quotes by Margaret Fuller

At Home And Abroad (1856)

Ralph Waldo Emerson in Memoirs of Margaret Fuller Ossoli (1884)

Memoirs of Margaret Fuller Ossoli (1852)

Dryad Song (1900)

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