Our consciousness rarely registers the beginning of a growth within us any more than without us: there have been many circulations of the sap before we detect the smallest sign of the bud.
In George Eliot's "Silas Marner," the author reflects on the gradual nature of personal growth and transformation. Just as nature takes time to reflect changes, our emotional and psychological development often goes unnoticed until significant progress is made. This metaphor of sap circulating before the emergence of a bud illustrates the idea that growth is a process, not an instant event.
Eliot’s insight suggests that we may not be immediately aware of the changes happening within us. Instead, these internal developments often unfold subtly and are only recognized after reaching a certain stage. This encourages patience and understanding in our personal journeys, highlighting the importance of recognizing the unseen efforts that contribute to our eventual growth.
