To Steele, this idle and pleasurable time is a part of personal and emotional growth. To be sure, the text in question is driven by the era's emphasis on Literary Romanticism, where self-discovery is considered among the highest pursuits. As Steele proceeds through the busy squares and thoroughfares of London, by the docks and through quiet alleys, he offers a sweeping and concise keyhole view into urban subsistence in his time. And he does so with no small air of affection for the bustling sense of purpose bred by this place. The author observes that "chimney-sweepers passed by us as we made up to the Market, and some Raillery happened between one of the Fruit-Wenches and those black Men, about the Devil and Eve, with Allusion to the several Professions. I could not believe any Place more entertaining than Covent-Garden; where I strolled from one Fruit Shop or another, with Crowds of agreeable youn Women around me." (p. 130)

So stimulating is this...

In his wandering about the city, his observations, and his introspection, the author advises the reader to be in a readied state for intellectual and emotional gratification, to receive the world with an open heart, a friendly disposition and a mind ready for new experiences. In many ways, this brings together two of the major themes that are recurrent in the Romantic literary movement. The convergence of self-discovery and interest in one's fellow man make Steele's a particular compelling snapshot of city-life before the era of industrialization. In many ways, what is perhaps most remarkable and what demonstrates the value such an essay to examining the human experience, is how little at its heart life in the city has actually changed from the time of this description.
Works Cited:

Steele, R. (?). Twenty-Four Hours in London. .