In the book "Surface Detail" by Iain M. Banks, the author explores the concept of insult as an emotional experience that resides within the person who is insulted, rather than being a direct outcome of the actions of the person delivering the insult. This indicates that the power of insult lies in the perception and sensitivity of the recipient, not just in the intention or words of the speaker.

This perspective reveals that feelings such as insult are deeply personal and subjective. Instead of merely being a reaction to external provocation, they are shaped by the internal state and beliefs of the individual. Therefore, addressing someone with the intent to insult does not necessarily guarantee that the recipient will feel insulted; it is ultimately up to their own emotional landscape and interpretation.