I believe that man will not merely endure: he will prevail. He is immortal, not because he alone among creatures has an inexhaustible voice, but because he has a soul, a spirit capable of compassion and sacrifice and endurance. The poet's, the writer's, duty is to write about these things. It is his privilege to help a man endure by lifting his heart, by reminding him of the courage and honor and hope and pride and compassion and pity and sacrifice which have been the glory of his past. The poet's voice need not merely be the record of man, it can be one of the props, the pillars to help him endure and prevail.
In Faulkner’s view, humanity is defined by its resilience and innate ability to overcome adversity. He asserts that people will not simply survive; they will triumph due to their unique qualities such as compassion and spirit. This perspective emphasizes that humans are not just defined by their voices but by their deeper capabilities, which enable them to endure through challenges. He believes that the essence of humanity lies in its moral and emotional strength.
Faulkner highlights the important role of poets and writers in this context. He believes it is their responsibility to portray and celebrate the noble traits of humanity, such as courage and honor. Through their work, they can inspire individuals to persist and find hope, reminding them of their rich history of triumph over trials. The poet becomes a vital support for humanity, reinforcing their spirit and encouraging them to keep striving towards prevailing against life's difficulties.