The settlement of America had its origins in the unsettlement of Europe. America came into existence when the European was already so distant from the ancient ideas and ways of his birthplace that the whole span of the Atlantic did not widen the gulf.

Summary

This quote suggests that the colonization of America was a result of Europeans leaving their settled lives in Europe due to the desire for a new beginning or escape from the limitations of their birthplace. By the time they arrived in America, they had already distanced themselves from ancient European traditions and customs. The vast distance of the Atlantic Ocean did not diminish the cultural and ideological differences between Europe and America. Essentially, it implies that America was born out of a desire for freedom and a fresh start, rather than being an extension of European values and beliefs.

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