The quote reflects on the evolving nature of treason, suggesting that as society progresses, the acts of betrayal will manifest in new ways. The speaker recognizes that in the past, treason was limited in its reach because communication was slower, and the means to spread ideas, such as printed material, were not yet available. This development implies that current times are more complex, with rapid dissemination of information allowing traitorous ideas to spread swiftly across regions.
Additionally, there is a sense of envy directed toward those who lived in previous eras, where the pace of life allowed for more careful consideration of loyalty and fidelity. The speaker acknowledges that today, harmful ideologies can be propagated by those with malicious intentions much more quickly, complicating the landscape of loyalty to rulers and nations. The implications of this rapid communication highlight the increased impact of individual actions on a larger scale in contemporary society.