The quote reflects on the limited capacity of an individual to effect significant change when acting alone. It suggests that solitary actions often lead to minimal results, such as minor thefts or small harms, emphasizing a sense of futility in solitary endeavors. The expression implies that human potential is amplified when working together, contrasting the trivial impact of individual efforts.
In the context of H.G. Wells' "The Invisible Man," this notion underlines the broader themes of isolation and the consequences of unchecked ambition. It highlights that while an individual may feel empowered by their invisibility, their actions often culminate in little more than personal mischief rather than meaningful achievement.