Everybody liked better to conjecture how the thing was, than simply to know it; for conjecture soon became more confident than knowledge, and had a more liberal allowance for the incompatible.
In "Middlemarch," George Eliot illustrates a fascinating aspect of human nature: the tendency to prefer speculation over certainty. People often find it more enjoyable to imagine possibilities and create their own narratives about situations, rather than accepting the complexities of reality. This inclination towards conjecture allows for a more flexible interpretation of facts, leading individuals to conjure up scenarios that might not align with the truth.
The quote emphasizes how conjecture can provide a sense of confidence that knowledge might not always offer. When people engage in speculation, they allow their imaginations to run free, often ignoring contradictions and embracing a broader scope of ideas. This reflects a universal tendency to value creative thought over factual understanding, showcasing how subjective belief can sometimes take precedence over objective knowledge.
