"The very essence of literature is the war between emotion and intellect, between life and death. When literature becomes too intellectual - when it begins to ignore the passions, the emotions - it becomes sterile, silly, and actually without substance"

This quote by Isaac Bashevis Singer talks to the value of emotion in literature. He recommends that literature needs to be a balance between emotion and intelligence, between life and death. When literature ends up being too intellectual, it loses its enthusiasm and feeling, and hence its substance. Vocalist is stressing the significance of feeling in literature, as it is the emotion that provides it life and makes it meaningful. Without emotion, literature becomes dull and lifeless. Vocalist is suggesting that literature ought to be a balance in between emotion and intellect, and that when it becomes too intellectual, it loses its power and significance. He is stressing the importance of emotion in literature, as it is the feeling that gives it life and makes it meaningful.