The quote from Diana Gabaldon's "Drums of Autumn" highlights a cultural difference between Americans and Englishmen. It suggests that an Englishman views distance in terms of immediate physical space, considering a hundred miles to be a significant journey. This reflects a mindset that values traditional measures of distance and the experiences tied to them.

In contrast, the American perspective, as described in the quote, emphasizes a longer timeline, viewing a hundred years as a substantial duration. This can imply a different relationship with time, history, and progress, where Americans might think more broadly about change and the passage of time. Overall, the quote encapsulates distinct views on space and time inherent in the two cultures.