The quote suggests that the gradual pace of certain events can create a false sense of security, making individuals believe they have ample time to prepare for what is coming. In contrast, sudden changes or occurrences demand immediate attention and awareness, prompting quicker reactions. This difference highlights the unique challenges posed by slow developments.
Ultimately, the passage implies that regardless of how slowly events unfold, our readiness and response will lag behind. The deceptive nature of slow processes can make it easy to underestimate their impact, leading to situations where individuals find themselves unprepared, despite the time they thought they had.