In this passage, the protagonist expresses a deep desire for a life filled with both rational thought and passionate action. She recognizes that the era of spiritual guidance and divinely inspired visions has passed, leaving her feeling unfulfilled. Prayer may intensify her longing, but it does not provide her with the direction she seeks.

She turns to the pursuit of knowledge as a means to fill the void in her life, seeing it as the only source of enlightenment. Her admiration for Mr. Casaubon, a learned man, positions him as a figure of intellectual authority from whom she hopes to gain insight and understanding. This reflects her belief that education and knowledge are essential to achieving the meaningful life she desires.