Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[learner12]

Hello, teachers!!

It is unlikely that many of us will be famous, or even remembered. But no less important than the brilliant few that lead a nation or a literature to fresh achievements, are the unknown many whose patient efforts keep the world from running backward; who guard and maintain the ancient values, even if they do not conquer new; whose inconspicuous triumph it is to pass on what they inherited from their fathers, unimpaired ad undiminished, to their sons. Enough, for almost all of us, if we can hand on the torch, and not let it down; content to win the affection, if possible, of a few who know us, and to be forgotten when they in their turn have vanished.

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(*) But no less important than the brilliant few that lead a nation or a literature to fresh achievements

I would like to ask about "a nation."
What does it indicate?
(1) people
(2) country

I think that the answer is (2), but I am not confident.

Thank you in advance.

[EnglishRaven]

It can mean both, but more directly I think it refers to a country. The idea of 'people' is just as intrinsic to the idea of nation as country is, in many cases.

- Jason
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[learner12]

Dear EnglishRaven:

Thank you again for your help.

Take care and have a nice day!!