"It has always seemed to me a pity that the young people of our generation should grow up with such scant knowledge of Greek and Latin literature, its wealth and variety, its freshness and its imperishable quality"

This quote by James Loeb speaks with the importance of understanding of Greek and Latin literature. He expresses regret that young people of his generation are not exposed to the wealth and variety of these works, in addition to their freshness and imperishable quality. He thinks that knowledge of these works is essential for a well-rounded education and understanding of the world. He is most likely describing the classics, such as Homer's Iliad and Odyssey, Virgil's Aeneid, and Ovid's Metamorphoses, which have been studied for centuries and stay pertinent today. Loeb's quote highlights the value of gaining from the past and understanding the classics, which can offer insight into the human condition and assist us to better understand our own lives.