Meaning: The quote you've provided is from William Clifford, a prominent mathematician and philosopher in the 19th century. In this quote, Clifford is acknowledging the validity of the followers of the Buddha in appealing to individual and social experience to support the authority of the Eastern savior, which is a direct reference to the Buddha.

Clifford's quote is significant in several ways. Firstly, it highlights the importance of individual and social experience in shaping beliefs and religious authority. By mentioning "at least as much right," Clifford suggests that the followers of the Buddha have an equal claim to relying on personal and communal experiences to validate their beliefs as followers of other religious figures.

This quote also reflects Clifford's broader philosophical stance on evidence and belief. Clifford was a proponent of evidentialism, the view that beliefs should be based on evidence, and he famously argued that "it is wrong always, everywhere, and for anyone, to believe anything upon insufficient evidence." In the context of this quote, Clifford seems to be suggesting that the experiences of the followers of the Buddha can serve as evidence for the authority of the Eastern savior, much like the experiences of followers of other religious figures can serve as evidence for their respective authorities.

Furthermore, this quote invites reflection on the universality of religious experience and the diversity of spiritual traditions. By acknowledging the followers of the Buddha as "witnesses" with a legitimate claim to appeal to experience, Clifford emphasizes the pluralistic nature of religious beliefs and the need to consider the perspectives of different religious traditions.

In the context of the 19th century, when Western colonial powers were expanding their influence in Asia, Clifford's acknowledgment of the authority of the Eastern savior and the experiences of Buddha's followers can be seen as a progressive and inclusive perspective, challenging the ethnocentric attitudes prevalent in the Western world at that time.

It's also worth noting that the quote reflects the growing interest in Eastern philosophies and religions in the West during the 19th century, a trend that continues to influence Western thought and spirituality to this day. The recognition of the Buddha and the Eastern savior as legitimate sources of spiritual authority by a prominent Western thinker like Clifford speaks to the increasing awareness of and respect for diverse religious traditions.

In conclusion, Clifford's quote is a thought-provoking acknowledgment of the validity of the experiences of the followers of the Buddha and their right to appeal to those experiences in support of the authority of the Eastern savior. It reflects his broader philosophical stance on evidence and belief, challenges ethnocentric attitudes, and aligns with the growing interest in Eastern spiritual traditions in the West. This quote serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and respecting diverse religious experiences and beliefs.