Remember that only when past genius is transmitted into a present power shall we meet the first truly american poet. And somewhere, born to the streets rather than the athenaeum, we will come upon the first true reader. The spirit of the american is suspected to be timid, imitative, tame -- the scholar decent, indolent, complaisant. The mind of our country, taught to aim at low objects, eats upon itself. Without action, the scholar is not yet man. Ideas must work through the bones and arms of good men or they are no better than dreams.
The passage suggests that true American poetry will emerge only when past brilliance is channeled into present creativity. It highlights a vision of a genuine poet arising from everyday struggles rather than formal institutions. The author expresses concern over the perceived timidness and complacency of American individuals, indicating a disconnect between aspiration and action.
Furthermore, the passage emphasizes that scholarly pursuits must translate into real-world action for them to hold value. Ideas remain merely aspirations without the backing of proactive individuals. This calls for a dynamic relationship between thought and action, underscoring the need for true engagement with the world to manifest meaningful change.
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