I never saw a clearer instance of the opposite impressions that different customs make on people than I observed in the ambassad
ors of the Anemolians, who came to Amaurot when I was there. As they came to treat of affairs of great consequence, the deputies from several towns met together to wait for their coming. The ambassadors of the nations that lie near Utopia, knowing their customs, and that fine clothes are in no esteem among them, that silk is despised, and gold is a badge of infamy, used to come very modestly clothed; but the Anemolians, lying more remote, and having had little commerce with them, understanding that they were coarsely clothed, and all in the same manner, took it for granted that they had none of those fine things among them of which they made no use; and they, being a vainglorious rather than a wise people, resolved to set themselves out with so much pomp that they should look like gods, and strike the eyes of the poor Utopians with their splendour. Which is the central idea of this excerpt? The Anemolians are very careful about wearing fine clothes. The Anemolians do not like wearing gold and silk. The Utopians are not concerned about dressing fashionably. The Utopians are jealous of the Anemolians’ clothing. Mark this and return
