In "Middlemarch," George Eliot emphasizes the importance of ambition and the willingness to take risks. The quote reflects a desire to transcend comfortable, safe choices and instead embrace bold, adventurous paths in life. It suggests that true direction and purpose come from looking beyond immediate shores and seeking greater horizons, guided by one's aspirations and ideals.
Eliot's words encourage individuals to navigate their journeys through life with courage, relying on their own values and dreams as guiding stars. This approach champions the idea that while the coast may represent security, the vastness of mid-sea symbolizes the opportunities and potential that lie beyond familiar boundaries.