A second point is that, within the limits of plausible argument, the most instructive comparisons (whether of difference or similarity) are those that surprise. No Japanese will be surprised by a comparison with China, since it has been made for centuries, the path is well trodden, and people usually have their minds made up already. But a comparison of Japan with Austria or Mexico might catch the reader off her guard.


"Frameworks of Comparison" (2016)

Benedict Anderson Quotes

A second point is that, within the limits of plausible argument, the most instructive comparisons (whether of difference or similarity) are those...

A second point is that, within the limits of plausible argument, the most instructive comparisons (whether of difference or similarity) are those...

A second point is that, within the limits of plausible argument, the most instructive comparisons (whether of difference or similarity) are those...

A second point is that, within the limits of plausible argument, the most instructive comparisons (whether of difference or similarity) are those...