This quote emphasizes how our understanding and evaluation of current events or works are deeply rooted in historical context and past experiences. Just as we judge present-day plays based on previous theatrical standards, these same contemporary creations will shape future generations' criteria for what they consider valuable and meaningful.
The deep meaning behind this statement extends to the idea that cultural evolution is cyclical and recursive. Each generation's achievements build upon those of the previous one, but also influence the expectations and norms of the next generation. This interconnectedness means that every creative act is both a product of its time and a potential harbinger of future trends. It suggests a dynamic relationship between past, present, and future, where each period not only inherits but also actively molds the standards it will pass on.
George Pierce Baker was an influential American educator and playwright who lived from 1871 to 1952. He is best known for his contributions to drama education at Harvard University, where he founded the Play Department in 1913, one of the first programs dedicated to training students in playwriting and directing. Baker's work and teachings significantly impacted American theater during a formative period, contributing to the development of dramatic arts as an academic discipline.
