Cormac McCarthy's quote suggests that actions derive their significance from the presence of a witness. Without someone to observe or testify to them, those actions may hold little value or meaning. The implication is that the perception of acts depends heavily on the context and the individual who experiences or recounts them. Therefore, the witness plays a crucial role in ascribing importance to deeds.

Furthermore, McCarthy's reflection invites readers to consider the depth of existence through the lens of perception. If the act is viewed as secondary to the witness, it raises questions about reality, truth, and how narratives are formed. In essence, the witness becomes central to the understanding of experiences, emphasizing the interplay between the observer and the observed in shaping meaning.