The quote from George Eliot's "Silas Marner" reflects the human tendency to feel discontent during monotonous times. It suggests that in moments of gray and lifelessness, people often search for something to blame for their unhappiness, typically longing for something they have never experienced or possessed. This quest for a clearer object of dissatisfaction highlights the desire for change or enrichment in one's life.

This longing for an "untried good" indicates that existential unease can lead to aspirations for new experiences or opportunities. It underlines how the mind can fixate on what is absent, rather than appreciating the present, which can create a sense of yearning or restlessness. Ultimately, the quote captures the complexity of human emotions in navigating periods of dissatisfaction.