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About this quote

What does it mean?
Being American involves a complex destiny that includes resisting an overly romantic or superstitious view of Europe.
In plain terms
Americans should avoid idolizing Europe too much.
What can you take from it?
Maintain independent cultural perspective.

Where it applies

  • travel decisions
  • cultural education
  • art criticism

Putting it to work

  • evaluating foreign influence
  • building local culture

Questions to consider

  • How do you view other cultures?
  • Do you feel pressured to value old world over new?

Another view

This view may overlook legitimate admiration for European achievements.

More from Henry James

  1. The face of nature and civilization in this our country is to a certain point a very sufficient literary field. But it will yield its secrets only to a really …

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  2. Deep experience is never peaceful.

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  3. Everything about Florence seems to be coloured with a mild violet, like diluted wine.

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