Meaning: This quote by Emily Balch, an educator and activist, reflects on the difficulty of accurately judging or evaluating the present time in which we live. Balch suggests that our proximity to the current era and the ways in which we are shaped by it make it challenging to truly understand its significance and potential implications for the future.

In the quote, Balch implies that our perspectives are limited by our close proximity to the events and developments of our time. This proximity may prevent us from gaining a clear and objective understanding of the present moment. Furthermore, she suggests that our experiences and perceptions are heavily influenced by the societal, cultural, and historical context in which we live. As a result, our ability to assess the significance of our time and its implications for the future is inherently constrained by our immersion in it.

Balch's assertion that we are "too much formed by it and enclosed within it" speaks to the idea that our individual and collective identities are deeply intertwined with the characteristics of our time. Our beliefs, values, and behaviors are shaped by the prevailing norms and conditions of the era in which we live, making it difficult for us to step outside of this framework and critically assess it.

The quote also suggests that gaining a basis for judging future possibilities requires a degree of detachment from the present moment. Balch implies that in order to accurately evaluate the potential impact of current events and trends on the future, we need a certain distance from the immediate influences of our time. This distance allows for a more objective and critical assessment of the present, unencumbered by the biases and limitations of being immersed in the current era.

As an educator, Balch was likely attuned to the ways in which historical perspectives and cultural contexts shape our understanding of the world. Her quote underscores the importance of historical awareness and critical reflection in the process of evaluating the present and anticipating future possibilities. It serves as a reminder that our understanding of the present is inherently shaped by the past and that our ability to envision future trajectories is influenced by our perceptions of the present moment.

In conclusion, Emily Balch's quote invites us to consider the complexities of assessing our own time and its implications for the future. It highlights the challenges inherent in gaining a clear and objective understanding of the present moment, given our close proximity to it and the ways in which we are shaped by it. Balch's insights prompt us to reflect on the role of historical awareness and critical distance in evaluating the significance of our time and anticipating future possibilities.