An Englishman thinks a hundred miles is a long way; an American thinks a hundred years is a long time.
The quote from Diana Gabaldon's "Drums of Autumn" highlights the differences in perception between English and American cultures. It suggests that the English tend to view distance in terms of physical journey, with a hundred miles feeling significant. Meanwhile, Americans have a perspective shaped by their history and the vastness of their country, making a hundred years seem lengthy. This reflection illustrates how cultural backgrounds influence our understanding of time and space.
By contrasting these two viewpoints, Gabaldon sheds light on the broader implications of how societies measure change and progress. The English focus on the immediate and tangible, while Americans often think in larger, historical timelines. This quote serves as a reminder that our cultural context shapes not only our experiences but also our interpretations of distance and time.
