In this passage, Gorky reflects on the emotional struggles faced by ordinary people. They deeply feel everything around them but find it difficult to voice their inner feelings. Their thoughts and emotions stay within, creating a sense of silent suffering.
He describes how shame prevents them from expressing their true selves, leading to internal conflict. Sometimes, this shame turns into anger directed at their own thoughts or those who evoke them, causing them to push these feelings away and remain silent about their pain.