Many people are unable to see the hardships and suffering around them because their focus is on basic survival needs or material wealth. Hunger can dull awareness, making individuals blind to the struggles of others, while greed for money can create a similar blindness to the true value of life and humanity. This quote highlights how both extreme hunger and greed can impair one's ability to perceive reality clearly.
Gorky’s words emphasize that material desires and physical suffering can obstruct genuine understanding and compassion. True awareness requires looking beyond oneself or superficial gains, recognizing the importance of empathy and social responsibility. The quote calls for a deeper reflection on what truly blinds people's vision and how this affects their perception of the world.