My father always said that was the difference between an American and an Englishman. 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 a cultural distinction between Americans and Englishmen regarding their perceptions of time and distance. An Englishman tends to view a hundred miles as a significant distance, illustrating a more localized perspective. In contrast, an American measures time with a broader scope, considering a hundred years as a long duration, suggesting a tendency to think about history and progress in larger terms.
This observation reflects deeper attitudes toward life and experience, where one culture may prioritize immediate surroundings and travel, while the other emphasizes the passage of time and historical context. Such differences can influence how people approach challenges, make decisions, and understand their place in the world.
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