The quote from Sinclair Lewis' book "Babbitt" expresses the author's astonishment at how others appear to have more insight into his personal life than he does. This reflects a common theme in human experience, where individuals often feel scrutinized by society and may struggle with self-perception. It highlights the paradox of being in the public eye, where personal matters are often exposed and dissected by others.
This sentiment can lead to feelings of alienation, as one grapples with the dissonance between their internal understanding and external perceptions. Lewis effectively captures the essence of modern life's social dynamics, where individuals may feel disconnected from their true selves while others seem to hold complete knowledge about them.