In Herman Melville's "Moby-Dick," the author reflects on the profound changes that long periods of isolation from society and culture can lead to in a person's nature. He suggests that extended exile from the comforts and morals of civilization causes individuals to revert to a more primal state, akin to savagery. This commentary highlights the delicate balance between civilization and innate human instincts, emphasizing how distance from societal structures can strip away layers of social conditioning.

The idea presented in this quote serves as a critical exploration of humanity's relationship with its environment and the essential qualities that define civilization. Melville seems to argue that without the influence of community and Christian values, individuals may lose their civilized characteristics and return to a more instinctive and uncivilized form of existence. This theme resonates throughout the narrative of "Moby-Dick," where characters confront their true natures in the face of the vast, wild sea.