In "Middlemarch" by George Eliot, the narrative reflects on individuals who often seek reasons for their beliefs and decisions but lack the understanding to appreciate the complexities involved. Their inquiries are superficial at best, as they do not grasp the deeper merits of the questions posed to them. Instead, they tend to rely on their personal moral compasses to navigate issues, leading to subjective interpretations that skew their understanding of right and wrong.

This tendency reveals a significant gap between seeking knowledge and the ability to comprehend it. The characters in the story exhibit a preference for their tastes and biases, ultimately indicating a failure to engage with philosophical or moral issues in a meaningful way. Eliot's observation highlights the limitations of human understanding and showcases the struggle to balance personal ethics with broader, more nuanced truths.