Mainly I think I should base the request to weigh the following pages on
the assumption that they present, however indirectly, some views of
the West and Modern, or of a distinctly western and modern (American)
tendency, about certain matters. Then, too, the pages include (by
attempting to illustrate it,) a theory herein immediately mentioned. For
another and different point of the issue, the Enlightenment, Democracy
and Fair-show of the bulk, the common people of America (from sources
representing not only the British Islands, but all the world,) means,
at least, eligibility to Enlightenment, Democracy and Fair-show for the
bulk, the common people of all civilized nations.
That positively "the dry land has appeared," at any rate, is an
important fact.
America is really the great test or trial case for all the problems and
promises and speculations of humanity, and of the past and present.
I say, too, we[41] are not to look so much to changes, ameliorations,
and adaptations in Politics as to those of Literature and (thence)
domestic Sociology. I have accordingly in the following melange
introduced many themes besides political ones.
Several of the pieces are ostensibly in explanation of my own writings;
but in that very process they best include and set forth their side of
principles and generalities pressing vehemently for consideration our
age.
Upon the whole, it is on the atmosphere they are born in, and, (I hope)
give out, more than any specific piece or trait, I would care to rest.
I think Literature--a new, superb, democratic literature--is to be
the medicine and lever, and (with Art) the chief influence in modern
civilization. I have myself not so much made a dead set at this theory,
or attempted to present it directly, as admitted it to color and
sometimes dominate what I had to say. In both Europe and America we have
serried phalanxes who promulge and defend the political claims: I go for
an equal force to uphold the other.