In "Master and Commander," author Patrick O'Brian presents a unique perspective on human nature through the quote about riches and sleep. The statement suggests a tendency among people to either boast about their wealth or pretend they have it, avoiding honesty about their true state of affluence. It reflects on how individuals often evade self-awareness, choosing instead to maintain an image that may not align with reality.

Likewise, the quote alludes to the idea that people resist admitting vulnerability, such as being "asleep," which can symbolize ignorance or lack of awareness. This theme resonates in O'Brian's broader works like "In the Heart of the Sea" and "The Lighthouse Stevensons," where characters face the struggle of authenticity against societal expectations. The interplay of perception and reality is a recurring motif that reveals the complexity of personal identity.