Literature and Prophecy

by Rav Avraham Yitzchak Kook

The more that our human language is enriched,
And literature uses its power to reveal everything hidden,
The most covered thoughts of the soul,
And the most complex and dim images and visions,
Whoever has the power has the obligation
To raise the curtains from the most exalted thoughts
Through which the image of man is uplifted up so that he will perform his function.
More,
The whole development of the literary ability of speech and description
Will lead to the prophetic promise
Of giving all nations a lip of truth,
Of them all calling out in the name of Hashem.
So we see in the flowering of literature
The shining light of the messiah in the world.
And the flowering of the development of speech
Is revealed in everything,
Secular and holy,
Impure and pure.
     Shemonah Kevatzim I: 176