In "Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers," Mary Roach explores the intriguing relationship between humans and cadavers, highlighting how their presence is often seen as just background noise. Sharing a space with a cadaver evokes a similar sense of isolation as sitting alone among strangers in public places. People are physically present yet emotionally distant, leading to a unique form of companionship that prompts reflection and curiosity.

The quote captures the discomfort and fascination that arise when faced with such a stark reality. Just as one may awkwardly glance at fellow passengers in a subway, the act of observing a cadaver stirs a blend of intrigue and societal taboos, suggesting that our perceptions of life and death are profoundly intertwined in shared human experiences.