"Back in the East you can't do much without the right papers, but with the right papers you can do anything The believe in papers. Papers are power"

Tom Stoppard's quote, "Back in the East you can't do much without the best papers, however with the right papers you can do anything. They believe in documents. Papers are power," encapsulates a nuanced commentary on administration, authority, and societal systems. Stoppard, often understood for his incisive and intellectually rich stories, utilizes this quote to explore the detailed characteristics of power and legitimacy in society, especially in regions with rigid bureaucratic frameworks.

The expression "Back in the East" likely alludes to Eastern Europe, a region known for its intricate historic relationship with administration, specifically throughout ages dominated by authoritarian routines. In such contexts, "the ideal papers" signify official paperwork required to navigate different socio-economic terrains. These might include recognition papers, permits, or licenses which, under strict bureaucratic systems, are important for societal participation. Without them, an individual's capability to engage in standard activities-- such as traveling, working, or accessing services-- can be badly limited.

The assertion that "with the best papers you can do anything" highlights the power these documents confer upon their holders. It highlights the ability of sanctioned legitimacy to open doors, proving the capacity for upward social movement, access to resources, or exemption from specific state-imposed limitations. This power credited to documents shows a societal recommendation of authority stemmed from official acknowledgment instead of intrinsic benefit or capability.

Stoppard's observation that "They believe in papers" points to a social rely on the bureaucratic system as a supporting entity, where order and legitimacy are maintained through recorded confirmation. Nevertheless, it also opens a review of such a system, suggesting an over-reliance on documentation that might sideline private resourcefulness, create variations, or perpetuate institutional control.

Finally, "Papers are power" distills the essence of the quote: in a world driven by files, administrative validation becomes a currency of power, specifying access, opportunity, and company. Through this reflection, Stoppard welcomes discourse on the wider ramifications of administrative dependence, questioning the balance between required regulation and individual empowerment.