Epilogue Context: European Cultural Change: The Age of Exploration resulted in a steep increase in the variety of goods available in Europe. Suddenly, items from around the world were available in Europe in ever-increasing quantities. This resulted in changing patterns of consumption for all classes of European society, especially the newly rich middle class. Demand increased for luxury goods that could be used to display wealth and status, especially goods from China and India. “Things which in centuries past were considered to be quite rare are now thought by all and sundry to be quite necessary.” —Ralph Fitch, British merchant, 1599. Explain what Ralph Fitch means when he stated “Things which in centuries past were considered to be quite rare are now thought by all and sundry to be quite necessary.” Be specific.