"I was immediately smitten with an attraction to this culture, not in the sense of high culture but of the basic way people behaved towards one another"

Harry Mathews's quote uses a profound reflection on the allure of culture that exceeds the conventional understanding of "high culture", which typically refers to the arts, literature, and intellectual accomplishments. Rather, Mathews highlights a deeper, more intrinsic layer of human interaction and social norms-- the everyday behaviors and the inherent ways in which individuals deal with one another.

The expression "instantly smitten" recommends an instant and intense fascination. This immediate destination implies that Mathews experienced a visceral, possibly emotional, connection to the culture he came across. Such a response shows that what mesmerized him was not something found out or gradually valued with time, like lots of aspects of high culture, but something intuitively enticing and resonant on a fundamental human level.

Mathews's delineation in between high culture and basic behavioral culture underlines an appreciation for the core worths and social contract that govern day-to-day interactions. These consist of compassion, respect, neighborhood, and compassion, which are universal to differing degrees across the globe. His words suggest a yearning or appreciation for cultures that stress these concepts in their everyday life, maybe highlighting a contrast with other experiences or cultures he has encountered.

In describing this attraction, Mathews indicates a fact about human society: the ingrained need for connection and understanding. His insights remind us that while high culture can enrich lives by offering intellectual and visual nutrition, it is the underlying social characteristics and social relationships that frequently define the lived experience within any culture. These everyday interactions shape the essence of neighborhoods and, by extension, reflect more comprehensive cultural worths. Mathews's quote welcomes us to consider how the simpleness of human kindness and respect can be as compelling, if not more so, than the loftier pursuits of art and intellect, highlighting the value of fostering favorable behaviors in structure unified societies.