"It's a complex fate, being an American, and one of the responsibilities it entails is fighting against a superstitious valuation of Europe"

Henry James is recommending that being an American is a complicated fate, and among the responsibilities that features it is to challenge the concept that Europe transcends to America. This concept of Europe being superior is based upon superstitious notion, instead of facts or proof. James is encouraging Americans to challenge this idea and to acknowledge the value of their own nation. He is suggesting that Americans ought to take pride in their own culture and history, and not be swayed by the idea that Europe is superior. He is likewise recommending that Americans need to be aware of the power of superstitious notion and not be affected by it. By doing this, Americans can be proud of their own nation and culture, and not be swayed by the idea that Europe is superior.