In the quote from Diana Gabaldon's "The Outlander Series," the author reflects on the paradox of human perception and belief. It suggests that people often dismiss what is tangible and evident, taking an almost disdainful attitude towards experiences that are universally acknowledged.
This behavior is contrasted with a passionate defense of abstract concepts or phenomena that one has neither witnessed nor directly experienced. This tendency reveals a deeper commentary on how beliefs can shape our understanding of the world, often prioritizing faith or imagination over sensory evidence.