There is an electric fire in human nature tending to purify - so that among these human creatures there is continually some birth of new heroism. The pity is that we must wonder at it, as we should at finding a pearl in rubbish.

Summary

This quote suggests that within human beings, there exists an innate desire to strive for greatness and righteousness, akin to an electric fire that purifies our nature. It remarks on the incredible capacity humans have for acts of heroism and compassion. However, the quote implies that these admirable qualities are often overshadowed or concealed by the prevalence of negative aspects of humanity. The pity is that we are surprised or astonished by instances of heroism and goodness, much like stumbling upon a valuable pearl amidst rubbish.