In George Eliot's "Middlemarch," the quote suggests that maintaining a level of emotional detachment can serve as a safeguard against intense feelings at specific moments. This idea highlights the complexities of human emotions and proposes that a moderated emotional state can help individuals navigate the ups and downs of life more effectively.

This perspective invites readers to consider the balance between emotional engagement and distance. By advocating for a more subdued emotional response, Eliot implies that such an approach can protect individuals from the potential turmoil that comes from being overly sensitive or passionate in any particular situation.