In "The Mill on the Floss," George Eliot suggests that exposing a person to topics that do not engage their interest can significantly contribute to their intellectual stagnation. This concept implies that a lack of genuine curiosity or connection to the subjects leads to a deterioration of mental growth, resulting in what he refers to as a "flourishing growth of stupidity."

This observation highlights the importance of cultivating genuine interests and passion in learning. When individuals are forced to focus on subjects that fail to inspire them, their ability to think critically and creatively is diminished, emphasizing the need for more engaging and relevant educational experiences.