The quote from Iain M. Banks' "Consider Phlebas" reflects a sense of collective aversion and disdain among individuals consumed by their busy lives. It points to a societal tendency to engage in competition against each other through contempt rather than camaraderie or cooperation.
This observation reveals a deeper commentary on human behavior, suggesting that people often occupy themselves with trivial pursuits that foster division instead of unity. These competitive feelings create a landscape filled with negative emotions, leaving little room for genuine connection or understanding.