In Joseph Conrad's "Under Western Eyes," the experiences of a language teacher lead to a profound realization about the nature of communication and humanity. The teacher begins to perceive the world as filled with an endless array of words, reducing human beings to mere vocal creatures. This perspective shifts their understanding of people, comparing them to talking animals rather than complex beings with deeper significance.

This quote captures a moment of disillusionment, where the richness of human interaction seems diminished, and language itself becomes a tool that highlights the superficiality of communication. It invites readers to reflect on the depths of human experience and the importance of meaning beyond mere words, encouraging a reevaluation of what it truly means to communicate and connect with others.