In Philip Roth's "American Pastoral," the author explores the idea that the essence of life isn't simply about understanding others perfectly. Instead, it emphasizes the inevitability of making mistakes in our relationships and interactions with people. These misjudgments and wrong perceptions are fundamental to the human experience, highlighting our complexities and flaws.

The quote suggests that the process of getting people wrong is a crucial aspect of being alive. Through these misunderstandings, we discover our humanity and learn about ourselves and others. The journey is filled with errors and missteps, revealing that life is not defined by perfection, but by the rich tapestry of our experiences, including the wrong turns we take along the way.