In Cormac McCarthy's "All the Pretty Horses," the quote suggests a character who appears to lack the qualities that typically provoke strong reactions from others. This character seems devoid of significant traits that would inspire either admiration or contempt, leaving him feeling insignificant in the eyes of those around him.
The description highlights a sense of emptiness or unremarkability, implying that the character does not possess the ambition or characteristics usually tied to impactful actions. In this way, McCarthy reflects on the complexities of human existence and the varied responses individuals elicit from society based on their perceived value and substance.