In George Eliot's "Middlemarch," there is a reflection on the nature of human disposition towards life and the expectations we form based on external circumstances. The quote suggests that we often lean towards a belief that providence or chance will favor us, leading to positive outcomes. This faith might stem from our desire for life to align with our aesthetic standards and personal ideals.
The passage highlights the interplay between hope and self-perception, indicating that people often expect their lives to unfold in ways that are congruent with their values and tastes. This tendency reveals a deeper human inclination to find meaning and coherence in our experiences, relying on a blend of faith in external forces and an appreciation for individual significance in the vast universe.