In Norman Mailer's "The Castle in the Forest," the quote highlights the human tendency to empathize with those who are weaker than ourselves. This is often seen as a natural reaction, where individuals can easily relate to the struggles and vulnerabilities of others who are less powerful. Our inclination towards compassion grows when we witness suffering from a position of relative strength.

However, the quote also emphasizes the challenge of understanding the emotions and experiences of those in positions of greater power. It suggests that recognizing and accepting the complexities of more powerful individuals is a more difficult task. This complexity arises from their strength, which can create a barrier to genuine emotional connectivity, making it harder for us to engage with their true feelings.