"Dante can be understood only within the context of Italian thought, and Faust would be unthinkable if divorced from its German background; but both are part of our common cultural heritage"

This quote by Gustav Stresemann speaks to the value of cultural context in understanding literature. He is stating that Dante and Faust are both part of our shared cultural heritage, but that they can only be fully comprehended when viewed within the context of their respective cultures. Dante, for instance, is deeply rooted in Italian idea, and to truly appreciate his works one should comprehend the Italian culture and history that formed them. Similarly, Faust is a product of German culture, and its themes and characters are only completely comprehended when seen through the lens of German history and culture. Stresemann is emphasizing the significance of cultural context in understanding literature, and how it can assist us appreciate and understand works that become part of our shared cultural heritage.