If men were to consider what they were at - if if they were to look around them, and reflect upon the cost of life in a universe where prisons, brothels, madhouses, and regiments of men armed and trained to kill other men are so very common - why, I doubt we should see many of these poor mewling little larval victims, so often a present misery to their parents and a future menace to their kind.
The quote from Patrick O'Brian's "The Surgeon's Mate" highlights a deep reflection on human existence and the societal constructs that define it. It suggests that if individuals were to truly contemplate their situation, they would recognize the prevalence of suffering and violence in the world, with institutions like prisons and militaries being commonplace. This awareness might alter their perception of life and contribute to a realization of the burdens it carries.
O'Brian's words draw attention to the cyclical nature of suffering and the potential for individuals to become burdensome not only to themselves but also to others. He questions whether many would remain indifferent to the grim realities around them, emphasizing the importance of self-reflection and societal responsibility. Ultimately, the passage invites readers to consider the impact of their existence within a troubled world.
