In Arturo Pérez-Reverte's book "Sabotage," the themes of human nature and conflict are explored through the lens of time and mortality. The narrative highlights the paradox of human existence, where individuals, despite their brief lives, engage in actions that inflict pain and suffering on one another. This contradiction reflects a deep sense of introspection about the choices people make in their relationships and interactions.

The quote by Somerset Maugham, "It is amazing that human beings, who live so little time, strive to mutually cause so many pains," resonates throughout the story, emphasizing the tragic irony of humanity's propensity for conflict. The book invites readers to contemplate the complexities of life and the often destructive behaviors that emerge, prompting a deeper understanding of the human condition.