Meaning: The quote by Theodore Bikel touches upon the transformative power of the written word and its impact on the dissemination of knowledge and information. It highlights the shift in communication dynamics that occurred with the advent of writing, particularly in terms of how it enabled a select group of individuals to impart wisdom and guidance to the broader populace.

Prior to the widespread adoption of the written word, oral communication was the primary means through which knowledge and teachings were shared within societies. This inherently limited the reach and permanence of such information, as it relied heavily on the memory and availability of those capable of delivering it. The quote suggests that the introduction of the written word fundamentally altered this dynamic, allowing for the preservation and distribution of knowledge in a manner previously unattainable.

Bikel's reference to the masses who could not, or were not permitted to, read, speaks to the historical disparities in access to education and literacy. In many societies, literacy was a privilege reserved for the elite or educated classes, while the majority of the population remained illiterate. This created a divide between those who could partake in the written word and those who were reliant on others to interpret and convey its teachings to them.

The quote also underscores the role of those few who could read and write in assuming a position of influence and authority as disseminators of knowledge. In a societal context where literacy was not widespread, individuals with the ability to read and interpret written texts held a significant advantage in shaping the beliefs and understanding of the broader population. This conferred upon them the responsibility, and often the power, to deliver sermons and teachings to those who were not literate themselves.

The idea of sermons as a form of communication is particularly poignant, as it evokes the notion of moral and spiritual guidance being imparted through the written or spoken word. The quote suggests that with the written word, the delivery of sermons and teachings became more structured and potentially far-reaching, as written texts could be distributed and shared beyond the immediate presence of the speaker.

From a historical perspective, the quote alludes to the pivotal role played by religious and scholarly figures in interpreting and transmitting written texts to the broader population. In many societies, religious leaders and scholars were among the few who possessed the ability to read and write, and thus held considerable influence in shaping the beliefs and practices of their communities through the delivery of sermons and teachings derived from written religious texts and scholarly works.

Overall, Theodore Bikel's quote encapsulates the profound impact of the written word on the dissemination of knowledge and the dynamics of communication within societies. It serves as a reminder of the transformative power of literacy and the responsibilities it confers upon those who possess it, as well as the historical disparities that have existed in access to the written word and its associated teachings.