Quote by Henry James Sumner Maine
In spite of overwhelming evidence, it is most difficult for a citizen of western Europe to bring thoroughly home to himself the truth that the civilisation which surrounds him is a rare exception in the history of the world.
Summary
This quote is highlighting the difficulty for individuals living in Western Europe to fully comprehend the unique nature of their own civilization. Despite the abundance of evidence pointing to Western Europe as an exceptional and advanced society, people in this region find it challenging to recognize this fact due to their limited perspective and lack of understanding of world history. The quote suggests that Western Europe's civilization should be appreciated as an exception rather than the norm when compared to the broader context of global history.