from A Voice from the South

Question

A stream cannot rise higher than its source. The atmosphere of homes is no rarer and purer and sweeter than are the mothers in those homes. A race is but a total of families. The nation is the aggregate of its homes. As the whole is sum of all its parts, so the character of the parts will determine the characteristics of the whole. These are all axioms and so evident that it seems gratuitous to remark it and yet, unless I am greatly mistaken, most of the unsatisfaction from our past results arises from just such a radical and palpable error.

What does the author mean by the character of the parts will determine the characteristics of the whole?

1. Different pieces must add up perfectly to make something complete.

2. Starting with a desired result helps inform what needs to be done first.

3. Knowing where something comes from is the key to understanding it.

4. A final outcome will have similarities to the elements used to achieve it.

Answer 1

The author means that the individual characteristics and qualities of the parts (such as families and homes) will ultimately determine the overall characteristics of the whole (such as a race or nation). In other words, the collective qualities and values of individual families and homes will shape the overall character and values of a larger group or society.

Answer 2

Please choose one of the pre-given answers

Answer 3

4. A final outcome will have similarities to the elements used to achieve it.