" From the beginning the Jewish tradition stood out in uncompromising hostility to the religious traditions of the more civilized peoples that surrounded the Jews. While the rest of the ancient world was being integrated into one great society by the influence of Hellenistic culture and education and Roman government and law, one little people obstinately refused to be assimilated. The stronger the external pressure of the world society, the more intense was the consciousness of the Jewish people of a unique destiny which set them apart from the nations. "

― Christopher Henry Dawson , The Formation of Christendom