In this passage, Jane Welsh Carlyle expresses her frustration with the fleeting nature of human attention and commitment, suggesting that it should be considered one of life's greatest vices. She questions why transience or fickleness is not condemned along with other evils in religious teachings, implying that such a quality might be even more detrimental than many sins traditionally denounced.
Carlyle delves into a profound critique of societal values, questioning the weight given to different forms of human behavior and their impact on relationships and personal growth. She highlights how transient actions and attitudes can erode trust and stability in social interactions, arguing that this type of behavior might be more harmful than some sins traditionally highlighted by religious doctrine. By focusing on the concept of flitting, Carlyle is essentially pointing out a cultural flaw where commitment and steadfastness are undervalued.
Jane Welsh Carlyle (1801–1866) was an influential Scottish writer and diarist known for her sharp wit and insightful observations about society and human nature. Her letters and journals provide a vivid account of Victorian life, offering candid reflections on the people around her, including her husband Thomas Carlyle, who was himself a prominent historian and philosopher. Her writing often critiqued social conventions and celebrated individual integrity and intellectual freedom.
